Number: RS20842
Title: TURKEY: FINANCIAL CRISES IN CONTEXT
Authors: Carol Migdalovitz, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: Analysts concur that stabilization, privatization, and banking reform are still needed, but Turkey's statist ideology and divided coalition government may continue to undermine the prospects for radical change in economic policy. Neither the government nor individual ministers have taken responsibility for the string of financial crises, yet there may be no alternative to the current government under present circumstances. The crises set back Turkey's hope to comply with economic criteria for EU membership. U.S. officials believe that the United States needs a stable Turkey for geopolitical reasons and, as a result, the U.S. supports continuing economic reforms.
Pages: 6
Date: Updated March 13, 2001