Hurd and Turkish Accession

Nobody can deny that Turkey is going to have a hard time becoming a member of the EU, partially because it is a Muslim country. Hurd makes many valid points about how that Europe's Judeo-Christian tradition as well as the concept of laicism have shaped Europe's form of democracy in direct and specific ways. Turkey consciously and distinctly modernized and secularized after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, which makes it unique from most Muslim countries. Turkey does not seem to fit in the Middle East or in Europe. Hurd mentions that a strong military presence within Turkey, helps to ensure its continued secularization. The Turkish people do not necessarily fall in line with the government's opinion that Turkey should be such a consciously secular nation. Particularly, Turks are disillusioned with the prospects of joining the European Union.

Huck lays out several reasons why the EU would be hesitant to allow Turkey to join that have nothing to do with religion. These reasons include insufficient democratization and civil rights, unemployment, the dispute in Cyprus, and economic concerns. She also mentions that it would be difficult to integrate Turkey into CAP, especially now that Poland and other post-communist countries have joined. There are also immigration issues, and worries about Turkey's neighbors. Thus, it is understandable why that Turkey is not yet member. Turkey would get more out of becoming a member of the EU then the EU would get out of Turkey joining. If Turkey had more to offer in the economic sphere, and was less of a political risk then the religious issues would be less of a problem.