THE ROLE OF THE JUSTICE AND DEVELOPMENT PARTY (AKP) IN TURKEY'S DEVELOPMENTAL TRANSFORMATION SINCE 2002 AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF THE EDUCATION, HEALTH, AND INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS

Abstract

Despite extensive academic interest in Turkey's experience, analyzing the ruling party's role in driving this developmental transformation within education, healthcare, and services requires profound systematic examination. This study analyzes the Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) role in developing these sectors from 2002–2024. The study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, reviewing sustainable development programs adopted by AKP governments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects. Turkey's innovative scientific progress under AKP governments exhibited a cumulative rise; Turkey ranked 39th globally in 2023, and 37th in 2024 among 133 economies, per the Global Innovation Index (GII) by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Similarly, regarding the Turkish health sector, vital outcome indicators from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank confirm infant mortality decreased by over 75% and life expectancy rose by around 7 years. The same applies to the service infrastructure; World Economic Forum (WEF) data confirms Turkey achieved an accelerated developmental renaissance in infrastructure and services, advancing its logistical infrastructure quality. Political leadership plays a crucial, fundamental role in economic change and developmental renaissance within integrated plans. Thus, this study offers an important epistemological contribution to developing countries' pathways.