New Book Examines Turkey’s Political Shift and Governance Under Erdoğan

A new non-fiction book titled “From Life Itself – Turkey and Istanbul in the Age of Erdoğan” by Pulitzer Prize finalist Suzy Hansen examines the political and social transformation of Turkey over the last two decades. The publication provides a detailed look at the leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has ruled the country since 2003, initially serving as Prime Minister before becoming President in 2014 following constitutional changes.

The book explores Turkey's transition from a cultural bridge between East and West to a political environment marked by nationalist fervor and centralized authority. Through an in-depth focus on the Istanbul neighborhood of Karagümrük, the author illustrates how local dynamics connect to broader regional and international conflicts across Europe, the Middle East, and West Asia.

Erdoğan initially rose to power as a reformer promising social, political, and economic changes through the Justice and Development Party (AKP). However, after solidifying his political base, his administration cracked down on political dissent. Following the expansion of his presidential powers in 2018, his governance has been widely characterized as authoritarian.

The text also references historical and political analyses, including Cihan Tuğal's observation on the global shift toward autocracy in the late neoliberal era, and a 1975 Trilateral Commission report by Michel Crozier, Samuel P. Huntington, and Joji Watanuki regarding the structural challenges facing democracies. These references are used to contextualize contemporary political instability and the pressures confronting democratic governance globally.

Author and essayist Pankaj Mishra endorsed the book, noting that it avoids standard Western journalistic assumptions and offers insight into broader global political trends. The publication serves as a documentation of Turkey's recent political trajectory and the structural underpinnings of modern states.

"The examination of political shifts and governance structures provides critical context for understanding economic stability and institutional trust. For businesses and investors operating in cross-border markets, political continuity, regulatory transparency, and the rule of law are foundational elements that directly influence long-term strategic planning and market risk assessments." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes