Multi-Kulti or Mutti-Kulti: How the German Domestic Identity Discourse Shapes German Policy Towards Turkey (thesis)

Abstract

The case study of Germany's resistance to Turkey's EU membership and its connection to the integration debate underscores the value of constructivism in explaining foreign policy decisions. The rhetoric of the ruling coalition does not focus on, and rarely even mentions, the economic and security benefits or disadvantages of the accession. Instead, the political discourse centers on questions of national identity and Leitkultur, indicating that cultural aspects, not objective criteria, underlie the opposition to Turkish membership. Germany's call for privileged partnership demonstrates that in an analysis of a foreign policy stance, it is necessary to not only understand the configuration of the domestic political space, but also the fears and the changing patterns of collective identification of the population. This is particularly important in a successful democratic system, where the public concerns shape the decisions of the policymakers. [From the Conclusion]