Identity Fragmentation and Identity Governance within the Triangle of Globalization, the European Union and Turkey

Abstract

This article is based upon the assumption that the European Union has a goal of resolving certain problems pertaining to globalization that its members face, and that Turkey views the membership procedure as a solution of such problems. The awakening sub-identities and the erosion of dividing borders are causing nation-states to face a series of problems concerning sovereignty and identity, such as ontological security and identity fragmentation. To solve such problems, the nation-states compromise their single-centered and assimilationist identity management policies in favor of multi-centered identity governance. With identity governance, not only the national governments, but also the local authorities and the European Union have a word on identity issues. Identity governance, despite dwindling sovereign rights, is performed successfully within the European Union, and is recommended to the Turkish government. From Turkey's side, as a solution to the problem of identity fragmentation, the membership process provides a common, unifying and shared goal for groups with different identities.

Keywords

Globalization, Nation-State, New Regionalism, the European Union, Identity

Citation

Özdemir, Haluk, “Identity Fragmentation and Identity Governance within the Triangle of Globalization, the European Union and Turkey”, International Relations, Volume 3, Issue 9 (Spring 2006), pp. 173-203.

Affiliations

• Haluk Özdemir, Assoc. Prof. Dr., Kırıkkale University, Department of International Relations