Counter-hegemonic struggle and the framing practices of the anti-nuclear platform in Turkey (2002–2018)

Abstract

Since winning its first electoral victory in 2002, the Justice and Development Party (AKP) has promoted nuclear energy as crucial for satisfying rising energy needs, triggering economic development and increasing competitiveness of Turkey. This hegemonic discourse has been challenged by the anti-nuclear platform (ANP) that has framed nuclear energy as posing a threat to human life and the nature. Based on an engagement between the framing perspective and the Gramscian approach, this study considers the framing activities of the ANP as a counter-hegemonic strategy to challenge the hegemonic discourses articulated by AKP on nuclear energy over the past 15 years. Analyzing the data from primary sources, such as reports, bulletins, pamphlets, and press releases produced by the ANP and interviews with ANP representatives, this study reveals the ways the platform exercises power through their framing practices and counter-hegemonic discourses to delegitimize the official frame promoting nuclear energy in Turkey.