Populism, fear, and the construction of the enemy: a thematic analysis of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s 2023 election campaign
Southeast European and Black Sea Studies, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1080/14683857.2026.2641312
- Journal Name: Southeast European and Black Sea Studies
- Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, Historical Abstracts, Humanities Abstracts, Index Islamicus, Political Science Complete, Public Affairs Index, Social Sciences Abstracts
- Keywords: 2023 presidential elections, construction of enemy, Political discourse, populism, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
- Ankara Haci Bayram Veli University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
This study analyzes the official election speeches of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan between March 31 and 13 May 2023, using thematic analysis method to examine the ‘us’ and ‘them’ dichotomy in the context of enemy construction strategies and the political instrumentalization of fear. The study reveals Erdoğan’s strategy of constructing a homogeneous ‘people’ identity by framing the opposition as ‘alien to national values,’ ‘collaborating with foreign powers,’ and ‘supporting terrorism.’ Thus, crises such as terrorism, economic instability, the failures of past coalition governments, and the February 6 earthquakes were instrumentalized to present the opposition as a threat. Through these themes, the opposition parties were demonized, reinforcing the idea that Erdoğan should be supported as the sole representative of the nation. Consequently, voters were persuaded through the fear factor that an opposition-led government would result in terror, chaos, economic dependence, security risks, and the erosion of national and moral values.