Muhammet Ali Zurnacı
The emphasis on the economy in the final National Security Council (MGK) meeting of 2021 might reveal more than surface-level speculation. When I first encountered the word economy in the press release, it sparked immediate thoughts: how does a bureaucratic state tradition reconcile such a comparative and relative approach? After all, the Ministry of Economy typically handles economic matters, while security is under the purview of the Ministries of Defense or Interior. This convergence suggests that something new may be emerging.
The press release states:
“Upon the robust infrastructure that Turkey has built, in accordance with her targets; challenges and threats in the process of implementation of her investment, production, employment, and export-oriented policies were evaluated. Determination to reach our Republic’s Centenary strong also economically as in every field was highlighted.”
Beyond self-esteem, this statement—particularly its “determination”—reads more like an expectation or assumption typically associated with the Ministry of Economy, rather than a traditional MGK focus. This shift raises several questions:
- How often does the word economy appear in MGK press releases?
- What specific emphasis has been placed on the economy in the past 20 years?
- Can we categorize these instances into interior and exterior focuses?
- Has the MGK’s perspective on the economy evolved over time?
- Is there a historical or political context that connects this emphasis to broader trends?
A Data-Driven Approach
From 2003 to today, there have been 125 MGK press releases. Each one was carefully reviewed to uncover patterns and shifts in how the economy is addressed.
Initial Observations
This newfound emphasis on the economy could signal a broader understanding of security, one that includes economic stability as a key factor. If so, it reflects a noteworthy transformation in Turkey’s strategic outlook—perhaps a sign of things to come as the Republic approaches its centenary.
Report is here:
MAZ Corporate, Research Paper Series, Trial Release
Muhammet Ali Zurnacı, February 7, 2022, Istanbul