Abstract:

The global economic crisis erupted in 1970s laid the groundwork for transition from social state approach to liberal market economy. However, unlike classical liberalism, the liberal thought in this era transformed into a new approach called new-right or liberal-conservatism with the articulation of conservative values. The liberal-conservatism, which is a synthesis of liberalism that advocates market economy and “restricted state” principles, and conservatism that emphasizes social values, was first implemented in the United States and the United Kingdom. Then it was implemented in Turkey post 12th September 1980 military takeover, during Turgut Özal’s administration. Özal introduced a liberal-conservative understanding in Turkey by synthesizing liberal approach in politics and economics with conservative values. However, his liberal-conservatism does not create a doctrinal paradigm. Özal was a politician who always tried to act according to the necessities of the time with a pragmatic approach. He was predominantly conservative who believed in liberal values, yet failed to show the same moderateness in practice

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