Introduction

This chapter discusses the importance of studying hegemonic political parties, which keep winning elections over multiple successive elections and rule their respective countries with an iron fist. It particularly highlights the significance of conducting research regarding the origins of hegemonic parties, an area that has not been explored sufficiently yet. As this book’s title suggests, the emergence of hegemonic parties coincides with the decline of democracy in many countries and hence merit special attention. The chapter offers a conceptualization of hegemonic parties, situates the case of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) within the universe of hegemonic parties, and sets forth the major pillars of a new theory about the rise of hegemonic parties and the downfall of democracy throughout the world.