Asian Politics Questions
The military has historically played a significant role in politics in Turkey. It has seen itself as the guardian of the secular and democratic principles established by the country's founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The military has intervened in politics through direct coups or indirect pressure, aiming to protect the secular nature of the state and prevent the rise of Islamist or extremist forces. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards civilian control and a decrease in the military's influence due to reforms and democratization efforts.