Is Development the Continuation of 'Anti-politics' by Other Means? An Investigation Based on the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) in Turkey. Issue 3 (2nd September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bilgen, Arda
• Is Part Of: Forum for development studies. Volume 46:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 401
• Page End: 427
• Publication Date: 2019-09-02
• Subjects: development -- depoliticization -- economization -- technicization -- the Southeastern Anatolia Project -- GAP; Developing countries -- Periodicals; 338.90091724
• DOI: 10.1080/08039410.2019.1593239
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0803-9410

Abstract

Abstract: In simplest terms, depoliticization refers to a systemic condition that inscribes the whole of society or to a distinct governing strategy for disguising the political nature of policy process. Understood as a condition, a strategy, or both, the concept has been employed to examine a wide array of policy issues until recently. Especially in development studies, the concept has been increasingly utilized to examine the rationale, mechanisms, and ramifications of development projects that were carried out in different parts of the world. Except a few examples, however, the depoliticizing implications of development schemes in Turkey have not received adequate scholarly attention. This article investigates Turkey's Southeastern Anatolia Project ( Güneydoğu Anadolu Projesi, GAP) in the conceptual guidance of depoliticization approach. The article explores how a neoliberal agenda has trivialized political issues such as those concerning distribution, resource use, inequality, inclusion, or conflict in southeastern Turkey. It critically assesses how the dominance of experts, the subscription to the 'homo oeconomicus' model, and the developmentalization of security policy have operated as means of depoliticization within the project. In this way, it provides a new perspective regarding how policymakers and project authorities attempt to 'economize' or 'technicize' the political in project frameworks and sites.