Opinions

Containment vs. Consolidation: Israel and Turkey’s Diverging Visions on Syria

Containment vs. Consolidation: Israel and Turkey’s Diverging Visions on Syria

April 9, 2025
by Enes Esen, published on 9 April 2025
Recent Israeli airstrikes on military infrastructure in Homs, Hama, and Damascus—coupled with accusations that Ankara is attempting to transform Syria into a Turkish protectorate—underscore the extent to which Israeli officials perceive Turkey’s involvement in Syria as a threat. Ankara argues that the Israeli military strikes are undermining regional stability and counterterrorism efforts against ISIS. But behind this rhetoric lies a much deeper strategic divergence.
Zero-Day Attacks and Cyber Warfare in Netflix’s Zero Day: A Legal Perspective

Zero-Day Attacks and Cyber Warfare in Netflix’s Zero Day: A Legal Perspective

April 7, 2025
by Yasir Gökçe, published on 7 April 2025
In cybersecurity terms, a “zero-day” attack refers to an exploit that takes advantage of a previously unknown vulnerability in software, hardware, or network systems before developers can issue a patch or fix. These attacks are particularly dangerous because they leave targets defenseless, often leading to severe consequences. The Netflix series Zero Day borrows this terminology to depict a large-scale cyberattack that cripples U.S. infrastructure, exposing the vulnerabilities of modern states in the face of cyber warfare.
Trump’ın Başlattığı Ticaret Savaşlarına Dair Uzmanlarımızın Görüşleri

Trump’ın Başlattığı Ticaret Savaşlarına Dair Uzmanlarımızın Görüşleri

April 3, 2025
by Mehmet Demirbaş, Ömer Güler April 3, 2025
ABD Başkanı Donald Trump, 2 Nisan 2025 tarihinde yaptığı açıklamayla “Amerikan Ekonomik Bağımsızlık Günü” ilan ettiklerini duyurdu. Trump bu kararı bir zafer gibi sunarken, dünya piyasaları ve birçok uzman için artık bu tarih, küresel ticaret savaşlarının resmi başlangıcı olarak kabul ediliyor.
What Does the Muted Reaction from the West to Imamoğlu’s Arrest Tell Us?

What Does the Muted Reaction from the West to Imamoğlu’s Arrest Tell Us?

March 20, 2025
by Enes Esen, published on 20 March 2025
The arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu on charges of corruption and aiding a terrorist group, has sent shockwaves through Turkey. While opposition leaders decry the move as a "coup against our next president," the reaction from Western capitals has been notably restrained or absent.
Can Europe Trust Turkey in Its Defense Plans?

Can Europe Trust Turkey in Its Defense Plans?

March 13, 2025
by Haşim Tekineş, published on 13 March 2025
When the idea of a European army resurfaces, Turkey often emerges as a potential partner. Its strategic location and military capabilities make it an attractive ally. Turkey’s democratic shortcomings have long blocked its EU membership bid, yet it might still play a key role in a new European defense framework. But is Erdoğan’s Turkey a reliable partner or a wildcard?
The Damascus-SDF Agreement: Promises Made, But the Devil Is in the Details

The Damascus-SDF Agreement: Promises Made, But the Devil Is in the Details

March 12, 2025
by Enes Esen, published on 12 March 2025
In a landmark agreement, the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have reached a deal on March 10. At the heart of the deal is the integration of all civil and military institutions in northeastern Syria into the administration of the Syrian state. Nonetheless, the agreement’s intentionally vague language on military integration suggests that key issues remain unresolved, with implications for Turkey and the US.
Avrupa Savunmasında Yeni Dönem ve Türkiye

Avrupa Savunmasında Yeni Dönem ve Türkiye

March 6, 2025
by Enes Esen, published on 6 March 2025
Trump’ın yeniden seçilmesiyle ABD’nin Avrupa’ya yönelik tutumundaki değişim, Avrupa’nın savunma ve ekonomik bağımsızlık arayışlarını hızlandırıyor. Ekonomik alanda ABD, müttefiklerine yüksek gümrük tarifeleri uygularken, savunma alanında ise Rusya karşısında Avrupa’yı kendi kaderine terk edebileceğinin sinyallerini veriyor. Avrupa’nın askeri kapasitesini artırması zaman alacağından, Türkiye’nin bu süreçteki rolü önem kazanıyor.
Imamoğlu’s Presidential Bid and Rising Tensions in Turkey

Imamoğlu’s Presidential Bid and Rising Tensions in Turkey

February 25, 2025
by Enes Esen, published on 25 February 2025
Ekrem Imamoğlu, the mayor of Istanbul from the opposition Republican Party, has announced his candidacy for Turkey’s presidential election. More than 110 parliamentarians have already endorsed his bid. This early announcement raises questions regarding the urgency: with three years remaining until the scheduled elections, such an announcement is highly atypical in Turkey.
Almanya’da Federal Seçimler ve Türkiye’ye Etkileri

Almanya’da Federal Seçimler ve Türkiye’ye Etkileri

February 24, 2025
by Yasir Gökçe, published on 24 February 2025
23 Şubat’ta gerçekleşen Almanya Federal Seçimleri, ülkenin siyasi manzarasında önemli bir dönüm noktasını temsil ediyor. Bir zamanlar Angela Merkel’in partisi olan, su an liderliğini Friedrich Merz’in yaptığı Birlik Partileri (CDU/CSU), oyların %28,5'ini alarak en güçlü parti olarak öne çıktı. Aşırı sağın temsilcisi AfD ise %20,5 oy oranıyla rekor bir sonuç elde ederek ikinci parti konumuna yükseldi.
The United States and the Liberal International Order: A Legacy of Contradictions

The United States and the Liberal International Order: A Legacy of Contradictions

February 17, 2025
by Yasir Gökçe, published on 17 February 2025
The liberal international order is far from perfect, but it remains the best framework for addressing global challenges. If the U.S. continues to undermine it, the world risks descending into a fragmented, lawless order where might makes right.
Turkey-Turkmenistan Gas Deal: A Strong Start, but Its Full Potential Remains Uncertain

Turkey-Turkmenistan Gas Deal: A Strong Start, but Its Full Potential Remains Uncertain

February 14, 2025
by Enes Esen, published on 14 February 2025
The Turkish government announced this week a deal between Turkey’s state-owned pipeline operator BOTAŞ and Turkmenistan’s Turkmengaz. According to the agreement, gas flow between the two countries is set to commence on March 1, 2025. Under a swap deal, Turkmenistan will supply up to 2 bcm annually to Turkey, utilizing Iran’s existing gas infrastructure.
Turkey’s Coup Narrative Under UN Scrutiny and Lessons for the European Court in the Yasak Case

Turkey’s Coup Narrative Under UN Scrutiny and Lessons for the European Court in the Yasak Case

February 14, 2025
by Yasir Gökçe, published on 14 February 2025
The glaring inconsistencies in Erdoğan’s official narrative of the July 15 coup attempt—through which he claims victimhood and justifies repression—have long been evident to those familiar with the events before, during, and after the coup. The fact that a semi-judicial UN body has now highlighted and documented these discrepancies is highly significant.