An Analysis Of Sinop And Izmir Environmental Movements Within The Framework Of The Neo-Gramscian Perspective

This study examines the environmental movement emerged against the energy policy that has been supported by an economic development in Turkey.In particular the study discussed the antinuclear movement that emerged against the problems caused by neoliberal policies implemented in the field of energy and movement against a thermal power plant in Turkey.Anti-nuclear and thermal power plant movements have been evaluated in the framework of the counter-hegemony movements and are supported by the values built by the intellectuals.The study highlights and analyses that Turkey’s transition to neoliberal policies,changes in energy policy,the formation opposing groups in the energy field,and the objectives,discourses,and actions of those are against thermal power plants.Drawing upon Antonio Gramsci’s concepts of hegemony,counterhegemony,and Robert Cox’s ideas are utilized to form the theoretical framework of the study.Gramsci and Cox’s assumptions used in evaluating the reasons,discourses,actions,and aims of these movements.The research utilized both empirical methods focused on interview with activists who are lead and participated in the movements,and literature,report and documents analysis.By focusing on environmental movements in Turkey,this research contributes new insights into the energy policies implemented in Turkey and anti-hegemonic environmental movements against these energy policies.