Who Brokers? Representation, Brokerage and Social Capital in Turkish Local Politics

This study investigates the roles, influence, and representational capacities of political brokers in Istanbul’s district municipal councils, focusing on variations in their social capital. It identifies distinct broker profiles and their integration into local party networks. Using K-modes clustering, the research identifies three broker types: the Non-CSO group with official roles and limited influence, the Single-CSO group as representatives with moderate influence, and the Hybrid-CSO group as alliance builders with high influence and theorizes their differential capacities for clientelist brokerage through linking, bonding, and bridging social capital. Contributing to debates on clientelism, political brokerage, and local politics, the study offers fresh insights into Turkish politics and similar contexts globally.