Conclusion

Abstract

This chapter concludes that the reason why Turkey tops the league tables, for the number of journalists in prison, is because “journalism” is a threat to the ongoing AKP power project. Any form of critique or scrutiny of AKP policy is now treated in this way. Hence the securitisation of news is a means of shoring up the AKP government and consolidating its power against its Kemalist, Kurdish and Gülenist rivals. As a modus operandi, securitisation is not new and was used by the Kemalist establishment for decades, particularly against the Kurds. However, it has intensified in the last decade: as the AKP has approached its goal of executive presidency, it has used increasingly authoritarian tactics. The current high level of securitisation—labelling journalists as terrorists—is the latest round in the ongoing battle within Turkish politics and is the means by which the AKP can consolidate its power whilst maintaining a democratic façade.