Unipolar versus multipolar: a comparison between Russia and Turkey

Abstract

The political systems in Russia and Turkey have frequently been compared since the mid-2010s. This perspective is incorrect. Russia has a unipolar political system. In the centre as in the regions, in economic relations as well as in the media, power has been almost entirely monopolised by the state. In Turkey, however, there is a competitive system in place. At least two camps compete in the political and societal arena on almost all levels. This fundamental difference is rooted in the history of the two states during the course of the 20th century.