Written by Lawyer Onur Şahin

In societies with economic, social, religious, demographic, and ethnic fault lines, the most important elements that prevent these faults from rupturing are the rule of law and a modern, secular national state consciousness.

Social earthquakes, on the other hand, are prevented by collective, democratic reactions that arise against worsening living conditions, and those in power are held accountable.

SOCIAL DISCRIMINATION AND NATIONAL INTEGRITY

"Our differences are our wealth"-style rhetoric that weakens the rule of law and national consciousness paves the way for arbitrary, nepotistic, and tyrannical discrimination, and disrupts the social fabric.

Deepening differences to turn them into inter-group conflict or state-sponsored terror sabotages harmony and fuels inequality; this is a fiasco for society.

What is needed is a modern revision where the entire society meets on common ground. This revision must be based on justice in wealth and income distribution, the rule of law, and historical-cultural heritage. In this process, institutions such as justice, foreign policy, and national security must be handled with a holistic approach. Against poverty, lawlessness, insecurity, and injustice, we must pursue our common interests and dreams—in favor of prosperity, transparency, fairness, and equality. Not our divisions, nor our unhealthy demands that demonize the other and aim to dismantle the nation or the state.

THE TACTIC OF FAILED GOVERNMENTS

In underdeveloped countries like ours, the most common method used by failed governments to stay in power is to divide society into hostile camps by creating privileges.

No matter how unsuccessful you are in the economy, domestic and foreign security, or the happiness index; if you rely on specific segments against the general interest of society and demonize a large part of the population, you can maintain your order. If you mobilize those who benefit from the government with rhetoric such as, "Yes, the economy is bad and there is corruption, but it would be even worse if the others came. They are enemies of our religion, they are traitors," a base blinded by hatred and irrationality will continue to support you even if they themselves become impoverished. Because in their subconscious, they see the inequality and think that they will be held accountable if the government changes. Moreover, through decades of systematic ideological indoctrination, they have identified themselves with a government under cult leadership.

THE ROLE OF THE OPPOSITION

In a situation where the playing field is not level and public institutions have become entirely tools of government oppression, what the opposition must do is clear:

Representing Common and Reasonable Values: Instead of relying on masses based on ethnic or religious divisions, it must draw strength from modern, legitimate, and national values; it must uphold the virtues that have transformed and uplifted society even under occupation. Without compromising on principles tested in history such as nationalism, secularism, and a planned development economy, it must only process these superior and public norms against pressures and manipulations.

Using the Right Rhetoric: While targeting the weakest and most rotten points of the government, it must address the backward and disgraceful conditioning of the most corrupt segments that keep the government in power with the right tone. It should also consider this segment on common ground, evaluating every statement and action from their perspective as well, and even if it cannot win them over, it should at least try to lead them to a passive silence or a secret approval.

In conclusion, the secret lies in appealing to logical and honest people. Except for those who have clearly committed crimes against humanity and have been caught red-handed as enemies of society, no harsh condemnation or hate speech should be used against any segment that thinks differently or incorrectly.