Militarism, capitalism and the State: putting the military in its place in Turkey

Abstract

This dissertation̕s overriding objectives are to theoretically come to terms with and toempirically expose the complex forms of articulation between militarism and capitalismin Turkey. Following a critical evaluation of theoretical approaches to the complex relationship among militarism, capitalism, and the state, it first lays out a nonreductionisttheory to analyze state-class relations, which is indispensable for theanalysis of the militarization of state forms. Drawing on Gramsci, Poulantzas, andJessop, I propose a Marxist theoretical framework which conceptualizes the state as a social relation, recognizes its constitutive impact on the formation of class relations, andwhich analyzes the class struggles through the concepts of hegemonic projects andaccumulation strategies. Secondly, I critically evaluate the prevailing state-centric modesof analysis of the state and the military in Turkey. Then, I focus on two phenomenal forms of articulation between militarism and capitalism. I analyze the militarization ofstate form through the case study of the May 27 Coup. I argue that the militarizationprocess was organically embedded in capitalist power relations. The militaryintervention was both constrained by and constitutive of capitalist class relations and capitalist hegemonic projects. Lastly, I analyze the militarization of the capitalisteconomy through a specific form of military-industrial complex whereby the militarybecomes an economic actor. Through the study of military capital (OYAK), I exposehow the military has historically become embedded in class power relations and accumulation strategies. I also underline the high military expenditures and war industryas a factor further accelerating the militarization of the economy.