Deconstructing the Neoliberal Character of the European Union: A Major Source of Leftist Dissent Over the EU in Turkish Civil Society

Abstract

This article aims to contribute to the discourse of Euroscepticism in Turkish civil society by examining the underlying dynamics of the phenomenon among leftist groups. Methodologically, semi-structured qualitative interviews with and surveys of Civil Society Organisation (CSO) leaders and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) are applied. Compared to business organisations, a large part of the trades unions have a cautious approach towards European integration. Generally, the leftist leaders do not perceive the EU process strategically or as a political opportunity structure to gain influence, but predominately more ideologically, as the spread of neoliberal free market policies that create an anti-labour environment.