Authoritarian grip on power strengthened by Turkey's failed coup

While the army’s failed power bid reinforced Erdogan’s power, success would have dealt a long-term blow to democracy in Turkey, writes Dani Rodrik

Military coups, successful or otherwise, follow a predictable pattern in Turkey.

Political groups, typically Islamists, deemed by soldiers to be antagonistic to Kemal Atatürk’s vision of a secular Turkey gain increasing power. Tensions rise, often accompanied by violence on the streets. Then the military steps in, exercising what the soldiers claim is their constitutional power to restore order and secular principles.