The EU accession process shapes Turkey's future and, in particular, its potential to become a pluralist, democratic state with respect for international human rights. This book details the background of the Kurdish people - the largest minority group in Turkey - and their relationship to the Turkish republic.

The EU accession process will shape Turkey's future and, in particular, its potential to become a pluralist, democratic state with respect for international human rights. In this timely survey, Kerim Yildiz and Mark Muller explain and analyze the process of accession focusing primarily on these associated human rights obligations and the extent of their implementation in Turkey. "The European Union and Turkish Accession" addresses the variety of groups in Turkey who are affected by these negotiations and details the background of the Kurdish people - the largest minority group in Turkey - and their relationship to the Turkish republic. This book is essential for students studying EU enlargement, particularly the human rights issues around the Turkish Accession, and those interested in the ongoing struggle of the Kurds.

Foreword by Noam Chomsky
Introduction1. Background 2. Turkey and the EU3. Civil and Political Rights in Turkey4. Cultural and Minority Rights in Turkey5. Conflict in the Southeast6. The international dimensions to the conflict7. The Military and the Islamist Movement8. Internal Displacement9. The EU and the Kurds 10. The Future of the EU AccessionNotesIndex