Authoritarian Neoliberalism and Resistance of the Anti- Nuclear Movement in Turkey:

Abstract

This chapter discusses anti-nuclear movements in Turkey. Although Turkey has no operating nuclear power plants, two projects are underway. Turkey’s anti-nuclear movement dates back to the 1970s. The aftereffects of Chernobyl together with subsequent governments’ ignorance and irresponsibility galvanized public opposition, which peaked in the 1990s. However, authoritarian politics and a deteriorating economy have curtailed environmental and democratic rights, effectively suppressing antinuclear protests nationwide and particularly at project locations such as Sinop and Mersin. This chapter provides a historical background for the nuclear projects and analyses the effect of the state’s increasing neoliberal pressure on local anti-nuclear movements. © 2023 selection and editorial matter, Anthony J. Spires and Akihiro Ogawa; individual chapters, the contributors.