Games that nations play: will Turkey be part of Europe?

Abstract

Purpose

Seeks to discuss the European Union's decision in December 2004 to begin debating Turkey's formal application to join the EU marks the beginning of what could be a prolonged decade of game‐playing by both the Union and the applicant from Istanbul.

Design/methodology/approach

Analyzes and tallies the stakes, pro and con, for each party, accommodating at the same time some troublesome, neither‐nor factors.

Findings

The result is that of a game, perhaps more seriously conceived than adroitly played. Regardless of the ultimate outcome, Turkey's long‐term efforts to join Europe may prove to be a classic in contemporary political gamesmanship.

Originality/value

The article provides a review of the arguments in favor of and against Turkey's accession to the EU.

Citation

Richardson, J. (2005), "Games that nations play: will Turkey be part of Europe?", Foresight, Vol. 7 No. 3, pp. 3-8. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636680510601940