‘Party-State’ Politics Beyond the Nation-State: The Case of Turkey’s AKP in Germany and Implications for Origin- and Resident-Country Politics

This article examines the concept of ‘party-state’ politics, in which a ruling party seizes control of the state apparatus. It delves into how a political party can extend its control and influence beyond its home country, with a particular focus on the Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) activities in Germany. Amidst Turkey’s transition to a semi-competitive autocracy and the transformation of the nation-state into a ‘party-state’, the article emphasises the need to understand how autocratic regimes extend their influence on diaspora communities, offering a detailed analysis of the AKP’s strategies in Germany. In particular, it discusses how the AKP’s diaspora politics has evolved around the nationality law, citizenship, and control over various satellite organisations to strengthen its reach. Furthermore, it outlines the role of external voting rights, introduced during the AKP rule, in reshaping the identity of Turkish diaspora members at large, who have become closely intertwined with the party in Germany and gained new tools to influence homeland politics. Ultimately, the article sheds light on the intricate interplay between the AKP, diaspora communities, and party-state structures in Germany, highlighting the implications of this trend for both diaspora communities, and their countries of origin and residence.