analysis
Erdogan’s Kanal Istanbul Complicates Security Dynamics and International Law
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan seems set on his highly controversial ambitions to break ground on the Kanal Istanbul project, which would see the development of an artificial waterway running parallel to the strategically located Bosphorus Strait. But what does international maritime law say on the topic?
Resistance at Bogazici University Instils Hope for the Future
Students, academics, and communities’ resistance to the political appointment of an incapable rector at Turkey’s prestigious Bogazici University shows that there is still hope for Turkish academia, and the country at large, despite persistent government oppression.
Erdogan’s Turkey Alienates Itself from Moldova’s Turkic Minority
Even though Turkey eyes greater influence over its Turkic kin in Moldova, the Gagauz favor Russia and Turkey’s current foreign policy trajectory leaves it little room to gain leverage.
Untold Legal Principles Favouring Turkey in Aegean Maritime Disputes
Turkish-Greek maritime disputes in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean Seas have a long and complex historical and legal background, yet contrary to common understanding, certain less-known international legal principles favour Turkey
New President, Old Problem: The Israeli-Palestinian Question Under Biden
While significant efforts to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict aren’t expected over the next four years, stabilization could become the focus
Great Expectations and Even Greater Challenges await Biden on the World Stage
With Joe Biden’s election victory, many countries expect the US to once again play a more assertive and constructive role in international and regional affairs. Nonetheless, the Biden administration’s attempts to reengage will undoubtedly be met with significant challenges from Asia, the Middle East, and even Europe.
Erdogan’s Gifts To Balkan Leaders Aren’t Paying Off When It Comes To Foreign Policy
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been giving expensive gifts to Balkan leaders only to see them betray him when it comes to issues of great significance for Turkish foreign policy
An Election with Surprises: Inadequate Polls and Arizona’s Flip
The race between former Vice President Joe Biden and incumbent President Donald Trump was tighter than expected as voters turned out in record-shattering numbers.
Should Britain Play a Role in the East Mediterranean Crisis Before It’s Too Late?
The United Kingdom is unable to adequately respond to many problems, it has a historical responsibility to address around the world as it flounders in the endless Brexit issue and, like the rest of the world, battles with COVID19.
Turkey Isn’t Wrong In the Eastern Mediterranean, Just Alone
Today, Ankara is largely seen as an aggressor in Eastern Mediterranean territorial disputes; however, its claims do have merit like Greek ones, even if its cries fall upon deaf ears after years of President Erdogan’s foreign policy blunders
A Tale of Two Populist Reactions to COVID-19 in Latin America
Espousing different political leanings (from right- to left-wing) and exhibiting varying degrees of intensity (whether rarely or frequently employing divisive rhetoric), at least five of Latin America’s current presidents can be seen as embodying the populist ideology.
A Case for Caution in Turkish Foreign Policy
Turkish foreign and security policy adventurism has seen an unprecedented rise under the AKP, but in order to preserve its vital interests Turkey should return to its cautious and impartial roots
US Grand Strategy: Searching for Monsters
The US’s inability to adapt its grand strategy to a post-Cold War world order can be seen as the root of many of today’s global problems. By continuing to employ an adversarial as opposed to conciliatory approach, the US will continue to embolden its enemies and isolate its allies. Yet US commitment to the fundamentals of its alliances and the world order may be more durable than we give it credit.
What do Macroeconomic Indicators say about Turkey’s Economic Struggle?
The pandemic-induced economic crisis and subsequent contractions in global demand will worsen Turkey’s economic outlook, as the AKP’s populist policies and unorthodox approach towards economics pose an increasing risk to the Turkish economy. As a direct result of the government’s intervention in market mechanisms, chronic inflation and the continuous devaluation of the Turkish lira will constitute a nearly insurmountable challenge for the AKP in the short-term.
Fiscal Stimulus Packages amid COVID-19 Pandemic Not Promising in the Middle East and North Africa
The ways in which countries across the Middle East and North Africa are combating the economic backlash presented by coronavirus reveal much about the states of their economies and overall capacities to deal with the consequences of the pandemic.
Bolton’s Book: Portrait of an Inadequate President on Fire
Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton’s book, “The Room Where It Happened”, provides us with a unique glimpse into Trump’s White House and decision-making process.
Jordan: The Lynchpin of a Middle East in Death Throes
Israel’s plans to annex the Jordan Valley, forced displacement in the region, and the global financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic all push Jordan to the brink of economic collapse.
The Parameters of Joe Biden’s Search for a Running Mate
Joe Biden’s running mate would be second in line to assume the office of the US presidency should he win, so the selection process is vital. In this context, the George Floyd Protests and COVID-19 have reshaped the field of VP candidates in favor of a woman of color.
A Familiar Scene: Protests and Police Brutality in Hong Kong
Each attempt by the Chinese government to increase its control over Hong Kong has triggered grassroots anti-China, pro-democracy movements that draw the attention of foreign powers
Why would Support for Democracy Decline in the Middle East and North Africa?
Democracy’s image has taken a beating in the Middle East and North Africa as insecurity and socioeconomic woes forced publics across the region to prioritize stability over participatory politics, thereby facilitating authoritarian backsliding.