Opinions - Turkey

Turkey is about to get the consent of the Iraqi Government for a military operation

Turkey is about to get the consent of the Iraqi Government for a military operation

by Enes Esen, published on 17 March 2024
Turkey is preparing to launch another incursion into northern Iraq, aiming to establish a 30-40 km deep buffer zone to counter the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). To rally support for its operation, Turkish officials have engaged in shuttle diplomacy with local stakeholders in Iraq. However, it is essential to recognize that while the use of force may provide short-term security solutions, addressing the socio-economic root causes of the conflict is crucial for sustainable peace. Without addressing these underlying issues, complications are likely to arise in the future.
Political Symbols and Decoding Turkey’s S-400 Decision

Political Symbols and Decoding Turkey’s S-400 Decision

by Haşim Tekineş, published on 14 March 2024
What does explain this politically, economically, and strategically costly decision that has not brought any added value to Turkey’s military power or defense? Lisel Hintz and David E. Banks argues that S-400s, thanks to the government propaganda, have turned into a political symbol of defiance against the U.S. and strategic autonomy so much that President Erdogan could not retract his S-400 decision. Although Hintz and Banks’ article provides a strong theoretical background to understand Ankara’s S-400 decision, the issue still provides opportunities for new studies.
Turkish-Egyptian Relations: Assessing the Impact of Erdoğan's Cairo Trip

Turkish-Egyptian Relations: Assessing the Impact of Erdoğan's Cairo Trip

By Enes Esen, published on 17 February 2024
President Erdoğan's visit to Cairo on February 14 was marked by high honors, including a warm welcome by President Sisi at the airport and a salute with cannon fire upon his motorcade's arrival at Cairo's Ittihadiya palace. The visit garnered widespread attention, with all major newspapers in Egypt featuring Erdoğan's arrival as their headline news.
Comparison of Mass Incarcerators

Comparison of Mass Incarcerators

by instituDE, published on 7 February 2024
This table sheds light on the most oppressed groups in these countries, highlighting the complex landscape of arbitrary detentions and incarcerations worldwide.
The Withdrawal of the US troops from Syria Will Create a Power Vacuum

The Withdrawal of the US troops from Syria Will Create a Power Vacuum

by Enes Esen, published on 26 January 2024
Recent reports suggest that the United States is considering the withdrawal of its troops from Syria, where currently 900 soldiers are stationed. Some officials within the Biden administration are worried that this could jeopardize the fight against ISIS.
Erdoğan's Blackmail Diplomacy

Erdoğan's Blackmail Diplomacy

by Haşim Tekineş, published on 9 January 2024
Erdogan's blackmailing diplomacy led to a loss of credibility and a lack of trust about Turkey. While Turkey's demands were mostly rejected, it eventually gave up its leverage occasionally with modest gains.

Reports - Turkey

UNVEILING THE BRUTAL REALITY: SYSTEMATIC TORTURE OF FORMER DIPLOMATS

UNVEILING THE BRUTAL REALITY: SYSTEMATIC TORTURE OF FORMER DIPLOMATS

by instituDE, published on May 2024
This report offers an update to the United Nations Committee against Torture (the Committee) regarding the obstacles to implementing the Convention against Torture (the Convention) in Turkey. As a coalition formed by a collective of former Turkish diplomats, our focus is on the systematic torture faced by former diplomats detained at Ankara Police Headquarters. We delve into the Turkish context and present insights from our organization.
SUCCESSION: THE QUESTION OF POWER TRANSITION IN ERDOGAN’S TURKEY

SUCCESSION: THE QUESTION OF POWER TRANSITION IN ERDOGAN’S TURKEY

by Haşim Tekineş, published on 6 December 2023
His electoral victory in May 2023 gave President Erdoğan five more years to further consolidate his power, eviscerate institutions, fill the bureaucracy with yes-men and expand his corruption network. This, of course, raises questions about the Turkish political system’s chances of recovery, the prospects for democratization after Erdogan and the regime’s tolerance for his demise.
PERSECUTORY CONFISCATION AMOUNTING TO CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY: CASE OF THE GÜLEN GROUP

PERSECUTORY CONFISCATION AMOUNTING TO CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY: CASE OF THE GÜLEN GROUP

by Yasir Gökçe, Hakan Kaplankaya, Harun Reşit Halisoğlu and Mehmet Bozkaya, published on 6 November 2023
This report aims to reveal and analyze the criminal acts and/or omissions of the Turkish authorities against individuals alleged to be affiliated with, connected to, or members of the Gülen Group in the context of violations of the right to property as crimes against humanity.
EURASIANISTS IN TURKEY AND THEIR MEDIA ON THE WAR IN UKRAINE

EURASIANISTS IN TURKEY AND THEIR MEDIA ON THE WAR IN UKRAINE

by Enes Esen, Servet Akman, Ahmet Kalafat and Bahadır Gülle, published on 27 February 2023
Most of the Russian propaganda in Turkey is not overtly conducted by Russian state-affiliated media outlets. Eurasianists in Turkey carry out the Kremlin’s bidding to influence Turkish public opinion in favor of Russian war efforts. They blame the West, specifically NATO and the US, for instigating the war in Ukraine and causing regional instability. They also attack Turkey's political opposition for their milder views on NATO and the US and recommend that the Turkish government prioritize its relations with Russia.
MUHALEFET PARTİLERİNİN KHK SORUNUNA YAKLAŞIMI: ADİL ÇÖZÜM İÇİN YOL HARİTASI

MUHALEFET PARTİLERİNİN KHK SORUNUNA YAKLAŞIMI: ADİL ÇÖZÜM İÇİN YOL HARİTASI

by instituDE, published on 20 June 2022
Türkiye’nin KHK sorununa muhalefet partilerinin yaklaşımlarının ne düzeyde yeterli olduğu sorgulamasından yola çıkarak hazırlanan bu rapor, muhalefet partileri başta olmak üzere bu sorunun üzerine gitme vaadinde bulunan her türlü oluşuma analitik ve hukuksal bir çerçeve sunmayı amaçlamaktadır. Bu bağlamda rapor KHK mağdurlarını, maruz kaldıkları idari ve/ veya adli işlemleri gözönünde bulundurarak kategorize etmekte ve her bir kategoriyi kendi şartları çerçevesinde irdeleyerek çözüm önerileri sunmaktadır.
A VIOLAÇÃO NOS DIREITOS HUMANOS NA TURQUIA ESTÁ A SUBIR ATÉ AO NÍVEL DOS CRIMES CONTRA A HUMANIDADE

A VIOLAÇÃO NOS DIREITOS HUMANOS NA TURQUIA ESTÁ A SUBIR ATÉ AO NÍVEL DOS CRIMES CONTRA A HUMANIDADE

by instituDE, published on 13 August 2021
O presente relatório tem por objetivo suscitar e analisar os atos escandalosos e/ou omissões das autoridades turcas contra indivíduos - a quem alegam estar afiliados, ligados ou membros do Grupo Gülen - no âmbito da competência legal do crime contra a humanidade.

Videos - Turkey

Is a Turkey-Israel Clash Coming?

April 9, 2025
by Haşim Tekineş, published on 9 April 2025
In this video, we break down the rising tensions between Turkey and Israel following the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. As Ankara emerges as the dominant power in post-war Syria, Israel grows increasingly concerned about Turkish influence spreading across the region.

Erdogan’s Biggest Blunder: Is This the Beginning of the End?

March 26, 2025
by Haşim Tekineş, published on 26 March 2025
In this video, we break down why Imamoglu’s arrest is backfiring on Erdogan, the growing resistance in Turkey, and what might come next. Will Erdogan tighten his grip with more force, or is he facing an unstoppable wave of change?

Türkiye Sokaklarda!

March 24, 2025
by Mehmet Demirbaş and Haşim Tekineş, published on 24 March 2025
Erdoğan sarayında, İmamoğlu hapiste, Türkiye sokaklarda! Türkiye nereye gidiyor? Gösteriler nereye varacak? Dünyanın tepkisi nasıl?

Sivil Darbenin Uluslararası Konjonktürü

March 19, 2025
by Haşim Tekineş, published on 19 March 2025
Uluslararası dengeler tek adam rejimini sağlamlaştırması konusunda Erdoğan'a ciddi bir avantaj sağladı.

What is the PKK? Inside Turkey’s Recent Peace Talks

March 12, 2025
by Haşim Tekineş, published on 12 March 2025
Turkey has initiated a new round of talks with the Kurdistan Workers' Party, a.k.a. PKK. PKK's founding leader called the group to lay down their weapons and dissolve the organization. The PKK has declared a ceasefire. Turkey seems to be closer to peace more than ever. Yet, ironically, the country is getting more and more authoritarian every passing day. The question is whether the authoritarian peace is possible?

Ve Ticaret Savaşları Başladı!

March 5, 2025
by Mehmet Demirbaş and Haşim Tekineş, published on 5 March 2025
Amerikan Başkanı Donald Trump Kanada, Meksika ve Çin'e gümrük vergileri koydu. Trump AB'ye de vergi koyacağını belirtiyor. Bu vergiler Amerika'yı, dünya ekonomisini ve Türkiye'yi nasıl etkileyecek?