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Local champions and change of governments: a longitudinal analysis of firms’ political ties in Gaziantep, Turkey

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  • Lisa Ahsen Sezer
  • Gül Berna Özcan

Abstract

This article examines business–politics ties during a shift from multi-party politics to competitive-authoritarian rule in Turkey. We conducted a longitudinal investigation of the political ties and performance ranking of top manufacturing firms in a provincial industrial centre, Gaziantep. The analysis demonstrates that major power transitions in centre politics elicited variegated local responses and intra-group contestations. The leading business elites sustained political capital through a multi-scalar diversification of political ties. Using an agent, network, and institutions framework, we highlight the political dynamics behind sub-national growth trajectories, and contribute to scholarship on urban party politics and elite localism in economic geography.

Suggested Citation

  • Lisa Ahsen Sezer & Gül Berna Özcan, 2024. "Local champions and change of governments: a longitudinal analysis of firms’ political ties in Gaziantep, Turkey," Journal of Economic Geography, Oxford University Press, vol. 24(2), pages 263-283.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:jecgeo:v:24:y:2024:i:2:p:263-283.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    political ties; urban politics; firm growth; business association; government transitions;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D22 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Empirical Analysis
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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