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Publications

Ahval News

Arrest of Colombian businessman may spell trouble for Turkey, Venezuela

June 15, 2020
by İmdat Öner, published on 15 June 2020
Alex Saab, a little-known Colombian businessman, was detained on the African island archipelago of Cape Verde on Friday after an Interpol “red notice” was issued against him. The 48-year-old was allegedly en route to Iran to negotiate some deals to exchange Venezuelan gold for Iranian gasoline.
Ahval News

The real target of Turkey’s soft power during COVID-19 is domestic

May 23, 2020
by İmdat Öner, published o 23 May 2020
As the coronavirus outbreak spreads, Turkey has garnered global attention with its “generous and benevolent” medical donations. Ankara has sent medical supplies to more than 70 countries across the globe during the pandemic, including to the United States and to Britain. Many experts and analysts consider the aid to be part of Ankara’s strategy to leverage its soft power. At first glance, Turkey's efforts may look like a smart tactic to repair its tarnished image in the West.
NATO

Strategic Cyber Defence

May 15, 2020
Co-authored by Yasir Gökçe, published on 15 May 2020
This overview of cyber security offers state-of-the-art approaches from a multidisciplinary standpoint, and will be of interest to all those working in the field.
IOS Press

Satellites Under Attack: An Evaluation of a Mock Cyberoperation in Space Under International Law

April 15, 2020
by Yasir Gökçe, published on 15 April 2020
This paper aims at examining the ensuing significant legal ramifications of such incidents involving State and non-State actors under international law. To that end, it employs a concrete cyberattack scenario where a commercial satellite with thrusters is captured by cyber means and weaponized into something that can disrupt ongoing military operations and destruct other space assets.
Wilson Center

Turkey and Venezuela: An Alliance of Convenience

March 27, 2020
by İmdat Öner, published on 27 March 2020
This report on the relationship between Turkey and Venezuela argues that Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has drawn close to Maduro “based on the two leaders’ mutual dislike of the West and frustration with U.S. sanctions.”
Kennedy School Review

From Prudence to Recklessness: Erdogan’s Risky Plays with International Law

February 28, 2020
by Yasir Gökçe and Mehmet Bozkaya, published on 28 February 2020
Amidst abundant signs of turmoil and challenges in Turkey’s seemingly rudderless foreign policy, the country apparently needs a more diplomatic approach and legal expertise in international law rather than aggressive military posture in its immediate vicinity. As Turkey lurches into one crisis after another in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea, the prudent invocation of international law has consequently become an imperative in foreign policy given the legal implications of current conundrums Ankara faces.