Research Article

Transnational Voting behaviour: A Comparative Analysis of Turkish Communities in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom

Volume: 10 Number: 1 March 26, 2026
TR EN

Transnational Voting behaviour: A Comparative Analysis of Turkish Communities in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom

Abstract

This study comparatively examines the transnational voting behaviour of Turkish immigrants living abroad, focusing on case studies from the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Based on qualitative data collected through 57 in-depth interviews, this analysis examines the Turkish immigrants’ external voting practices through the lenses of rational choice, party identification, and sociological approaches. The findings show that the voting practices of immigrants in the Netherlands are shaped primarily by two factors: (1) a socialization process centred around religious affiliations, and (2) support for a leader whose leadership is perceived as pivotal to enhancing Turkey’s international standing and, by extension, their own status in the Netherlands. In contrast, immigrants in the United Kingdom are more politically identity-oriented. Their voting choices are rooted in Kurdish-Alevi identity and are predominantly shaped by a defensive response to the current government. These dynamics give rise to distinct ideological tendencies: nationalist/conservative orientations in the Netherlands and leftist/democratic orientations in the United Kingdom. Overall, the findings reveal that voters often do not prioritize their individual interests; rather, collective identity and a sense of belonging play a decisive role in shaping their electoral preferences.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TUBITAK), 2219-International Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program.

Ethical Statement

The approval of the Bitlis Eren University Ethical Committee no 2022/1100 dated 28.09.2022 was obtained for this study.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Sociology (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

March 26, 2026

Submission Date

September 24, 2025

Acceptance Date

December 26, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 10 Number: 1

APA
Güneş, H. N. (2026). Transnational Voting behaviour: A Comparative Analysis of Turkish Communities in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Politik Ekonomik Kuram, 10(1), 67-88. https://doi.org/10.30586/pek.1790615
AMA
1.Güneş HN. Transnational Voting behaviour: A Comparative Analysis of Turkish Communities in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Politik Ekonomik Kuram. 2026;10(1):67-88. doi:10.30586/pek.1790615
Chicago
Güneş, Hüseyin Nihat. 2026. “Transnational Voting Behaviour: A Comparative Analysis of Turkish Communities in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom”. Politik Ekonomik Kuram 10 (1): 67-88. https://doi.org/10.30586/pek.1790615.
EndNote
Güneş HN (March 1, 2026) Transnational Voting behaviour: A Comparative Analysis of Turkish Communities in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Politik Ekonomik Kuram 10 1 67–88.
IEEE
[1]H. N. Güneş, “Transnational Voting behaviour: A Comparative Analysis of Turkish Communities in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom”, Politik Ekonomik Kuram, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 67–88, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.30586/pek.1790615.
ISNAD
Güneş, Hüseyin Nihat. “Transnational Voting Behaviour: A Comparative Analysis of Turkish Communities in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom”. Politik Ekonomik Kuram 10/1 (March 1, 2026): 67-88. https://doi.org/10.30586/pek.1790615.
JAMA
1.Güneş HN. Transnational Voting behaviour: A Comparative Analysis of Turkish Communities in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Politik Ekonomik Kuram. 2026;10:67–88.
MLA
Güneş, Hüseyin Nihat. “Transnational Voting Behaviour: A Comparative Analysis of Turkish Communities in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom”. Politik Ekonomik Kuram, vol. 10, no. 1, Mar. 2026, pp. 67-88, doi:10.30586/pek.1790615.
Vancouver
1.Hüseyin Nihat Güneş. Transnational Voting behaviour: A Comparative Analysis of Turkish Communities in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Politik Ekonomik Kuram. 2026 Mar. 1;10(1):67-88. doi:10.30586/pek.1790615

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