Purging Turkish army will leave it more politicised

Subject

Turkey's post-coup military.

Significance

Ever since the failed July 2016 coup, the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) have faced unending expulsions, retirements, detentions and trials. The aim of subordinating the military to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) raises questions about the armed forces' capacity, ideology and morale.

Impacts

• The military's self-image as guardian of Turkish secularism has almost evaporated.
• A new military generation may have arisen, neither Islamist nor Kemalist but non-political and interested in technology and social media.
• The military still values NATO membership as the only international organisation where Turkey has veto power.
• The AKP's defeat in local elections, one of its biggest losses in years, may mark the start of the decline of its 17-year-old power.