‘Party State’ Politics Beyond the Nation-State: The Case of Turkey’s AKP in Germany

With the Justice and Development Party (AKP) in power since 2002, Turkey has become one of the most prominent examples of democratic backsliding. Presidential and Parliamentary Elections of 2023 ensured that the coming term would keep transforming Turkey into a (semi)-competitive autocracy which gradually but surely shifted the AKP rule to a ‘party state’ one. While scholarly attention has extensively explored Turkey's authoritarian shift over the last two decades, focusing on aspects such as the declaration of a state of emergency, state-business relations, and the political economy of clientelism, the discussion has predominantly centered on the party's domestic functioning. The changes to the Turkish election law in 2012 that enabled external voting gave new levels of influence to the eligible citizens living abroad but also to the homeland parties abroad through lobbying activities, launching satellite organisations and/or collaborating with diaspora organizations. A case study of the AKP in Germany, where the party not only secured the highest number of votes but also commanded a greater vote share than within the country, offers insights into the intricate dynamics of state-party and diaspora-party structures. This exploration sheds light on how AKP's organizational framework dominates the Turkish diaspora scene, influencing democratic settings and shaping debates on the 'integration' of individuals with Turkish descent in Germany. This article aims to achieve three main objectives: (1) conceptualize 'party state' politics beyond the nation-state, (2) delineate institutional and societal consequences for both Turkey and Germany, and (3) illuminate strategic opportunities for the opposition to enhance its organizational presence abroad. By delving into the multifaceted dimensions of AKP's influence beyond Turkey's borders, the study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the evolving political landscape and its implications for both domestic and international contexts.