Diverse but converging paths to European Union membership: Poland and Turkey in comparative perspective

Abstract

The study considers some of the key forces that have resulted in a marked divergence, at least until recently, in the fortunes of two candidate countries, Poland and Turkey, on the path to European Union membership. The more rapid progress made by Poland in this regard is explained on the basis of the systematic interaction of domestic political forces and international influences that generates virtuous or vicious cycles in terms of EU membership. The reforming elites in Poland with the help of a highly vocal civil society and mobilization from below were able to display considerable unity and commitment toward satisfying EU norms. In contrast, the "power elite" in Turkish society failed to display a similar degree of unity and commitment. Popular mobilization on a similar scale was also lacking in Turkey. In addition, the more powerful signals provided by the EU itself has helped to ease the task of reformers in Poland, helping to produce a virtuous cycle in the process.