German social preferences towards Turkey's EU accession

This thesis attempts to explain the social preferences in Germany towards Turkey's EU membership, the factors that shape these preferences and their relative impact on Turkish accession. The major political parties and the public are identified as two significant domestic groups whose preferences influence the national position on Turkey. Particularly, the impact of SPD, CDU/CSU, the Greens and FDP is substantial in this respect. The public impact is more limited and indirect. The attitude of these domestic groups is shaped by material and identity-based concerns over Turkish membership. The major political parties tend to assess Turkish accession in terms of the security and economic benefits it will bring to the EU. The material benefits of Turkey's inclusion are the primary determinants which shape the position of the social democrats, the Greens and the liberals. On the other hand, the identity and culture based concerns influence the stance of CDU/CSU. The public attitude is mainly determined by the perceived economic and cultural threats posed by Turkey's membership. Particularly, the perceived cultural differences between Turkey and the EU member states play an important role in the increasing public opposition against Turkish accession.