Privatization in Turkey: Power Bloc, Capital Accumulation and State

Privatization in Turkey has accelerated in the 1980s and 1990s, the 2000s, and the 2010s, providing advantages to favorable capital groups and the government elites, but also consolidating the position of Capital at the expense of labor-popular classes and the natural environment.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 20 July 2023
Publisher: Haymarket Books

In his comprehensive book titled "Privatization in Turkey: Power Bloc, Capital Accumulation, and State," Ahmet Zaifer delves into a rare and insightful examination of privatization in Turkey, spanning three historical periods: the 1980s and 1990s, the 2000s, and the 2010s. Through a rigorous qualitative research approach that includes extensive interviews with key informant groups, a thorough review of newspaper articles, and a detailed analysis of annual reports of businesses, Zaifer convincingly demonstrates that the acceleration of privatization in Turkey has brought about significant benefits not only to favored capital groups and government elites but also to the overall position of capital at the expense of labor-popular classes and the country's natural environment.

The book explores various forms of privatization, ranging from divestiture to public-private partnerships, and sheds light on the complex dynamics that shape the privatization process in Turkey. Zaifer argues that the privatization drive has been driven by a power bloc composed of influential business interests, government officials, and political elites who have sought to consolidate their control over economic resources and promote capital accumulation.

One of the key findings of the book is that the acceleration of privatization has led to a concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a small elite group, which has had detrimental effects on the broader population. The benefits of privatization have largely accrued to favored capital groups and the government elites, while the working-class and environmental concerns have been marginalized.

The book also highlights the role of the state in the privatization process. Zaifer argues that the state has played a significant role in facilitating the transfer of public assets to private hands, often at below-market prices, and has often neglected the interests of workers and the environment. The state has also been involved in the creation of regulatory frameworks that have favored capital interests over labor and the environment.

In conclusion, "Privatization in Turkey: Power Bloc, Capital Accumulation, and State" offers a valuable contribution to the understanding of privatization in Turkey and its implications for economic development, social inequality, and environmental sustainability. Zaifer's research provides a detailed and nuanced analysis of the privatization process, shedding light on the complex power dynamics that shape it and the ways in which it has impacted the country's economy, society, and natural environment.

Weight: 334g
Dimension: 227 x 153 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781642599244