032: Back to politics, it's really hard not to

"Nothing to see here, move along!" by Hadarics and Krekó as a lens to look at the recent events in Türkiye

Today, I came across an insightful study titled "Nothing to see here, move along! Illiberal contexts as catalyzers of authoritarian misperception of democratic quality" by Hadarics and Krekó (2025). The paper explores how authoritarian tendencies shape perceptions of democratic quality, particularly in illiberal contexts. I thought it would be a good opportunity to use this study as a lens to take another look at what’s happening in Türkiye, especially in light of recent events.

Authoritarianism and Misperception of Democracy

Hadarics and Krekó’s study highlights a critical dynamic: individuals with authoritarian tendencies often perceive the functioning of liberal democratic principles more positively than objective indicators suggest. This phenomenon, termed “motivated perceptual distortion,” is particularly pronounced in illiberal contexts, where democratic norms are weakened.

In such environments, authoritarian individuals may prioritize stability, security, and loyalty to leadership over principles like free elections, minority rights, and freedom of speech. This preference can lead to a misperception of democratic quality, where even significant democratic deficits are downplayed or overlooked.

Türkiye’s Illiberal Context

Applying these insights to Türkiye, we observe parallels. Over the past two decades, Türkiye has experienced significant political and institutional changes under the leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the AKP (Justice and Development Party). Critics have pointed to restrictions on media freedoms, judicial independence, and political dissent as indicators of democratic backsliding.

However, as the study suggests, individuals with authoritarian tendencies may view these developments differently. For them, the government’s emphasis on national unity, economic stability, and traditional values may resonate deeply, reinforcing a perception that democracy is functioning adequately. This aligns with the study’s finding that illiberal contexts can catalyze positive misperceptions of democratic quality among authoritarians.

The Role of Political Narratives

The government’s framing of events, such as the recent arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, further illustrates this dynamic. Official narratives emphasizing legal justifications and condemning protests as threats to public order may appeal to authoritarian values, fostering acceptance of the status quo. Meanwhile, opposition voices highlighting democratic deficits face challenges in breaking through these entrenched perceptions.

A Personal Reflection

I believe it is hard to change the minds of Erdoğan and AKP supporters, even if they consider themselves just and compassionate people. Firstly, they have been heavily influenced by media controlled by the regime, which reinforces their belief that they are ethically on the right side. Additionally, their cultural conservatism makes them more susceptible to the dynamics described in Hadarics and Krekó’s study—believing they are living in a strong democracy despite evidence to the contrary.

I really don’t know what the solution would be to shift their perspectives toward more democratic and lawful actions while they remain under such heavy influence. However, those who feel victimized by autocracy must find ways to reach them, explaining their theories and emphasizing that they, too, want peace and justice.

Generated by Sora

Conclusion

The findings of Hadarics and Krekó offer a valuable lens for understanding the current political climate in Türkiye. They underscore the importance of addressing not only democratic deficits but also the psychological and contextual factors that shape public perceptions. As protests continue and debates about Türkiye’s democratic future intensify, fostering critical awareness and open dialogue will be essential in bridging the gap between perception and reality.

Sources:

Nothing to See Here, Move Along! Illiberal Contexts as Catalyzers of Authoritarian Misperception of Democratic Quality by Hadarics and Krekó, March 2025
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/389602106_Nothing_to_See_Here_Move_Along_Illiberal_Contexts_as_Catalyzers_of_Authoritarian_Misperception_of_Democratic_Quality

Why are thousands of people protesting in Turkey? by James Gregory, 24.03.2025
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czrnzdkp68eo

Thanks for reading this far. Feel free to share your thoughts, and take care.