Turkey: Divided We Stand

A recent survey demonstrated that the level of political polarization in Turkey has reached a level that should alarm even optimists. One of the most striking findings of the survey is the social distance between constituencies of different parties.  The survey also highlighted the prejudices of the respondents toward supporters of the opposing party. While polarization is not unique to Turkey, societies with a stronger institutional structure and democratic culture will find it easier to manage this challenge. Turkey’s leaders could either take polarization seriously and implement policies to encourage social cohesion without any short-term political benefits or watch their country sink into deeper polarization and a weaker democracy.