Insight Turkey / Articles

Recognizing Grand Strategy: The Case of Vladimir Putin (2000-2023)

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:32:00 GMT

This research explores the trends in Moscow’s diplomacy in relation to its overall strategy. In this context, it aims to investigate the evolution and construction of Vladimir Putin’s grand strategy between 2000 and 2023. To accomplish this, the article utilizes computer-assisted data analysis, specifically computer-aided thematic analysis (Atlas.ti). Hereby, 577 official speech transcripts were analyzed. To this end, the speeches under the categories of “Addresses to the Federal Assembly” and “Statements on Major Issues” have been collected to reveal the strategic logic behind Russian actions and behavior. The findings reveal that Putin’s grand strategy revolves around making Russia a center of influence and achieving a global power status, which this study conceptualizes as the “Glory to the Motherland.” In this context, reclaiming deserved status, counterbalancing Western hegemony, inventing multipolarity, and the security and preservation of the sphere of influence of the fatherland surfaced as the focuses for reversing Russia’s weakness experienced during the 1990s.

Repercussions of the Absence of National Constants on State Governance and National Security: Case Study of Sudan

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:31:00 GMT

This paper deals with one of the most important issues that has plagued Sudan since its independence in 1956, namely the absence of national constants in political practices that paralyzed state institutions, which became a threat to Sudan's national security and a strong barrier to the renaissance of the Sudanese state politically, socially and institutionally. The study seeks to define the concept of national constants and the principles of state management in the first place, and then looks at the Sudanese experience, attempting to frame the effects of political practices on the structure of the Sudanese state in the absence of national constants that govern and regulate these political practices. It also evaluates the impact of these political practices on Sudanese national security, attempting to draw a future vision and a simplified roadmap to address these negative effects in the direction of crystallizing a new political culture that takes into account Sudanese national interests and adheres to national constants.

The Trouble Triangle: Islamophobia, Neoliberalism, and the Construction of Muslim Identity as “Other”

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:27:00 GMT

It has been more than 1,400 years since Muslim communities were classified as “other.” Understanding the ideological background is crucial to comprehending the subtleties of Islamophobic thought, as seen by how Muslims have been portrayed as threats throughout history. Human rights have suffered because of the unjustified fear of Islam and its adherents. Numerous citizens faced prejudice, which hindered their freedom and resulted in some losing their lives. The purpose of this research is to elucidate the causes of this phenomenon’s continued existence. The following study employed a quantitative method to analyze Carr’s Islamophobic and neoliberalism theory, U.S. funding sources for Islamophobic content (2009-2011), six prominent international press media analyses (2014-2017), and the latest Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) report analysis on Islamophobia. The study’s findings suggest that Islamophobia –the term for the irrational fear of Islam and its adherents– persists because neoliberalism as an ideology supports it. Neoliberalism sees Islamic teachings as a danger to its system and uses a tactic known as cultural cleansing as a result. This tactic is applied in two stages: (i) cultural unification and (ii) intellect depletion. The civilizing mission – which divides citizens into good and evil categories– is accomplished based on these two processes. The ideology of neoliberalism in this situation will view a good Muslim as terrible and a bad Muslim as good.

Can the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Serve as a Collective Security Organization?

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:25:00 GMT

The Middle East is engulfed in chaos regarding peace and security, exacerbated by issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflicts, ethnic and religious divisions, civil wars fueled by power struggles, military interventions by global actors, and terrorism. The traditional policies adopted by international and regional actors have proven ineffective in resolving these problems, highlighting the need for a new security paradigm in the region. Addressing the security challenges in the Middle East is crucial to mitigating the deepening and expanding security crises and ensuring lasting stability. This study sought to answer a key question: “Is it possible for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to play an active role in establishing and maintaining peace and security in the Middle East?” The research aimed to identify the obstacles that hinder the OIC from becoming an effective actor and to propose potential solutions. Furthermore, the study analyzed whether an international organization-centered approach, based on collective security, could serve as an alternative to the traditional policies centered on individuals, groups, and states that dominate the search for security in the Middle East. This analysis was conducted through the lens of the OIC. The findings and recommendations of this study aim to contribute to the Middle East studies literature, particularly from a security perspective.

Opportunities and Anxieties of Homecoming: The Role of Education in Syrian Refugees’ Return Decisions

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:24:00 GMT

After over a decade of conflict and displacement in Syria, renewed discussions on post-war return have highlighted the conditions under which displaced populations envision and negotiate their return. In post-conflict environments, return involves more than just physical relocation; it encompasses complex issues of belonging, identity, and future planning. This research explores how education influences Syrian high school students and their parents residing in Türkiye, shaping their ideas of return, using the concept of homecoming. Using qualitative interviews with Syrian high school students and parents, the study finds that while security, economic opportunities, and social belonging influence decisions to return, access to education and future prospects emerge as the most decisive factors. The results show that students tend to conceptualize return not as an immediate decision, but as a conditional and ongoing process linked to their educational experiences. In this view, homecoming is a future-focused process driven by expectations of stability, social acknowledgement, and mobility, rather than nostalgia for pre-war life. The study enhances understanding of forced migration and return by emphasizing education as a vital element in analyzing refugee youth’s views on returning home after conflict.

The Day After the 12 Day War: Where Do the U.S., Iran, and the Region Stand in Terms of Proliferation/Non-Proliferation?

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:23:00 GMT

A debate emerged after the 12 Day War between Iran and Israel and the U.S. Operation Midnight Hammer targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities. The key issue is whether Washington significantly damaged Iran’s nuclear capacity and how long recovery to pre-war levels would take. Another question is whether these strikes will deter nuclear proliferation or instead encourage covert programs like North Korea’s. These uncertainties persist as the Trump Administration signals possible further action. Answering them is crucial for the credibility of the NPT regime and U.S. security guarantees in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. This paper evaluates whether the region is becoming proliferation-oriented and why Iran halted the AMAD Plan. According to the authors of this paper, Iran’s forward defense strategy has been restrained considerably and its threshold deterrence strategy was shown to be ineffective against Israel and the U.S. -via the 12 Day War. According to this paper the U.S. decision to join 12 Day War by itself reflects the U.S. preference not to permit even threshold/enrichment proliferation in the Middle East.

Toward an Environmental Agency Model for the Organization of Turkic States

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:19:00 GMT

In the 21st century, balancing economic growth and environmental sustainability has become a major challenge for nations, as transboundary issues require stronger multilateral governance. The OTS, covering a strategically important region from Anatolia to Turkestan, has significant potential to address shared environmental problems through collective regional actions. In line with the environmental sustainability and green transition goals of the OTS 2040 Vision Document, this study suggests creating a dedicated environmental agency. Using a qualitative research approach the study reviews member countries’ environmental conditions, assesses the sustainability goals of the 2040 Vision, and examines the design and roles of the proposed agency. Modeled after the European Environment Agency but adapted to OTS’ specific needs, the agency would serve as a non-regulatory platform for sharing knowledge, coordinating policies, and building capacity. Its governance structure includes a member-state governing board, an executive technical team, a scientific advisory group, and a national focal-point network. The results indicate that such an agency could enhance the Turkic world’s participation in global environmental governance, improve environmental diplomacy, and foster cooperation on the green economy among member states.

Evaluation of Developments in the Sahel Region within the Context of Türkiye-France Relations

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:50:00 GMT

This study examines the shifting power dynamics in the Sahel region within the context of Türkiye-France relations. The erosion of France’s traditional dominance in the region and Türkiye’s increasing influence have given rise to a new competitive dynamic between the two nations. The analysis focuses on France’s decline following Operation Barkhane and Türkiye’s initiatives in the diplomatic, economic, and military spheres, assessing their implications for changing security balances and diplomatic rivalry. Drawing on international relations theories, the article establishes a conceptual framework centered on the notions of regional power vacuums and the role of rising middle powers. The future perspectives section explores the evolution of power dynamics in the Sahel and potential scenarios for cooperation or competition, while the conclusion evaluates the findings in light of the broader literature on international relations, security studies, and African studies.

Political and Economic Relations between Türkiye and Italy: A Pathway to More Cooperation in the Mediterranean

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 0:24:00 GMT

Türkiye and Italy share a long-standing relationship rooted in historical, political, economic, and cultural interactions, making them two strategically significant actors in the Mediterranean region. Both countries play pivotal roles in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the region, often balancing cooperation and competition. On this basis, the article seeks to offer a nuanced understanding of the bilateral relationship and explore avenues for enhancing cooperation while mitigating potential conflicts, including modern type of hybrid warfare. By offering a comprehensive analysis, it aims to serve as a valuable resource for decision-makers, academics, and practitioners interested in fostering more sustainable and productive Türkiye-Italy relations. Understanding the dynamics of this relationship is essential for promoting regional stability and economic growth, ultimately contributing to a more integrated and cooperative Mediterranean region.

New Horizons in Conference Diplomacy: A Comparative Analysis of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum and the Valdai Discussion Club

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 17:18:00 GMT

Conference diplomacy is one of the most important phenomena in the history of modern international relations. This form of diplomacy, long overshadowed by the Congress of Vienna (1814-1815), has been regarded as a key platform for post-war order-building. However, with the changing world order in the 21st century, there have been fundamental changes in conference diplomacy. Conferences have come to the forefront not only in post-war periods but also in times of peace as a medium for the search for solutions to regional and global problems. In this context, the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF), organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, and the Valdai Discussion Club (VDC), organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, are prominent examples of conference diplomacy. This study aims to compare these two conference diplomacy channels. To this end, comparative analysis is used in this study. Accordingly, Paul Meerts’ classification is used to compare the objectives, activities, formats, participation levels, and agenda-setting capacity of both conference series. In this context, the study examines which mechanism is more effective based on online and periodical publications from both conferences.

Current State of the Eastern Mediterranean Energy: A SWOT Analysis of Israel’s Role

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 16:42:00 GMT

Since the beginning of the 20th century, the Eastern Mediterranean region has been the scene of important political conflicts. The discovery of natural gas, which gained momentum after 2000, further intensified these rivalries and reshaped the regional landscape. However, due to ongoing disputes and uncertainties regarding maritime jurisdiction in the Mediterranean Sea, the extraction of existing and potential reserves has led to new areas of contention among the involved countries. In a context where cooperation is essential to resolving maritime jurisdiction issues, these countries are compelled to revise their policies. As a key player in the region, Israel closely follows all developments in the Mediterranean. This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of Israel’s role in the Eastern Mediterranean energy equation, examining its policies, partnerships, and initiatives through SWOT analysis. It also focuses on the developments following Tel Aviv’s renewed war on Gaza, launched after October 7, 2023, revealing that Israel’s potential future role in the field of energy faces significant challenges, closely linked to the country’s regional policies.

Relational Power and Status: India, the United States, and the Quad in the Indo-Pacific

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 16:10:00 GMT

India’s foreign policy demonstrates a marked evolution, characterized by closer ties with the United States and an active role in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) alongside Australia and Japan. Situated strategically at the confluence of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, India assumes a central role in mitigating China’s expanding regional influence. The Quad serves as a platform through which India reinforces strategic partnerships while preserving flexibility, eschewing formal military alliances in favor of a focus on strategic autonomy and non-traditional concerns such as climate resilience and infrastructure development. By engaging with the Quad, India not only enhances its international stature but also derives benefits as a positional and club good, gaining global recognition and access to critical resources, including advanced military technologies. Through the strategic use of relational power, India shapes the Quad’s agenda to align with its priorities, reflecting its nuanced approach to balancing autonomy and regional influence within the Indo-Pacific framework. This article argues that India’s relational power within the Quad helps it shape the forum’s agenda and convert membership into status-enhancing recognition and exclusive cooperation benefits.

Iranian Shiitization Activities during al-Assad Family’s Era

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 16:01:00 GMT

Since the establishment of the Syrian–Iranian alliance in 1980, Iran has been able, with the approval of Hafez al-Assad and later his son Bashar, to employ its foreign policy toward Syria to spread its religious and cultural ideology. During the era of Hafez, Shiism emerged gradually as a noticeable phenomenon in Syria, while during Bashar’s era it took a new direction, particularly during the Syrian revolution. During this period, Iran and its Shia militias gained a significant presence on Syrian territory under the pretext of defending Shia shrines. This study examines the developmental stages of Shiitization activities in Syria and clarifies their impact on the Syrian social entity. The findings indicate that the expansion of Shia activities across cultural, educational, healthcare, economic, and religious sectors, combined with harsh war conditions, facilitated Iran’s dissemination of its religious ideology. These policies contributed to demographic changes, deepened sectarian divisions, and may affect the internal balance of power in the so-called “Useful Syria” regions.

The ‘Türkiye Model:’ An Original Paradigm for Resolving Conflicts Involving Armed Non-State Actors

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 15:21:00 GMT

This article examines the dissolution of terrorist organizations in a comparative perspective through the examples of the IRA, ETA, LTTE, FARC, and PKK. It is emphasized that organizations are sometimes politicized through democratic transformation, and sometimes dismantled through military methods. The IRA and ETA, after long conflicts, chose the path of political representation under the influence of peace agreements and social demands; the FARC laid down arms under international mediation and comprehensive reforms. In contrast, the LTTE was eliminated through military operations due to its absolutist nature and radical methods. For Türkiye, the so-called terror-free Türkiye process, launched in 2024, differs markedly from these examples. Unlike peace processes based on negotiations and concessions, the Türkiye model is based on a completely sovereignty-oriented, interference-free, and unilateral organizational dissolution. The PKK’s voluntary disarmament and dissolution mark the end of ethno-nationalist demands. Thus, the Türkiye model offers a unique approach that can be defined as a new sovereignty-based paradigm in the international literature.

The Discursive Foundations of Chinese Foreign Policy under Xi Jinping: A Non-Western Theoretical Analysis

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 10:48:00 GMT

China’s economic rise in the 21st century has prompted analyses of how this ascent will be reflected in the political sphere. Analyses in Western-centric media outlets and academia have predominantly focused on the notion that China will seek hegemony and an alternative international order in parallel with its economic rise. The central claim of this study is that these analyses, primarily based on realist and liberal assumptions, are incompatible with Xi Jinping’s foreign policy discourse. Therefore, Chinese foreign policy should be analyzed from an alternative theoretical perspective. Building on this claim, this study first analyses the general framework of the discourse on which Chinese foreign policy was built during the Xi Jinping era. Subsequently, this discourse is examined in Tianxia, a China-centered non-Western theory. This analysis, supported by examples of concrete foreign policy steps in the concluding section of the study, aims to provide a non-Western perspective on Chinese foreign policy.

Democratic Limits of Engagement between Religion and Politics: The Case of Türkiye

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 10:19:00 GMT

Formed of two major parts, the first part of this article investigates the limits of engagement between religion and politics in democracies with an extended theoretical discussion, and the second part offers a qualitative examination of the empirical Turkish case. Democratic theory provides a broad space of action for religion in political life in the context of pluralism and peaceful coexistence, freedom of religion as a basic human right, religious contributions to democratization, and practical use of religion in many democracies today. The Turkish case, examined vis-à-vis three variables, reveals that the Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), firstly, exists as an official state department with pronounced finances and human resources yet to be devoid of any notable powers and autonomy in sociopolitical life. Secondly, despite various reforms adopted by the government, the field of religious education is fraught with various elements of discontent still for reasons like the management of religious education by the state almost totally, and denial of Diyanet and religious communities from the field. And finally, although much progress is recorded for greater religious rights and liberties for various religious groups in the country, a degree of dissatisfaction still continues mostly because of a load of structural problems that predate the current government.

Current Modalities of the Foreign Policy Decision-Making of Uzbekistan from an IR Theoretical Perspective

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 9:55:00 GMT

This article explores the complex landscape of decision-making in the foreign policy of Uzbekistan. By analyzing the prominent actors and underlying factors, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how foreign policy choices are formulated and implemented in the context of Uzbekistan’s geopolitical position and historical background. The authors conduct an in-depth analysis of the actors and factors, constants and variables influencing foreign policy decision-making in the Republic of Uzbekistan, by using such methods as realism and liberalism, as well as comparative and content analysis, to shed light on the key factors influencing the formation of the country’s foreign policy decisions. The analysis encompasses regional engagement, economic diplomacy, security concerns, and international partnerships, shedding light on the dynamics shaping Uzbekistan’s role in the global arena.

Türkiye’s World and International Law: Convergence with the Rest

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 0:12:00 GMT

Celal Nuri (1882-1936) asserts that “international law is defective.” Through Celal Nuri’s critique of international law in the early 1900’s, I introduce a Turkish historical counterpart to contemporary critiques of international law and explore potential points of convergence with TWAIL. This quest reveals that the rampant Eurocentric positivism that plagued the Turkish legal education on international law runs counter to the historical critical engagement. The unequal encounter, the centre point of TWAIL, is reflected in Celal Nuri’s critique through the multi-layered geography of Türkiye, which I preferably capture as “geography within geography.” His critique of international legal scholarship is directed both at his European and Ottoman contemporaries. Without subscribing to a strictly territorialized epistemology, Celal Nuri calls for a critical Ottoman school of international law that is multidimensional with both theoretical and pedagogical components. Celal Nuri’s nuanced critique of colonial enterprise in the context of international law generates a historical precedent for my convergence thesis. This historical Turkish critique establishes the self-contradictory monstrous character of colonial international law through the juxtaposition of the purported civility of European colonialism and its colonial practices. This historical rejection of the racialised duality of international law should constitute the basis of the convergence of the Turkish scholarship with TWAIL and the revitalization of its criticality.

The Abolition of Turkish Language and Turkish Culture Course in Middle Schools in France

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 19:10:00 GMT

The aim of this research is to examine the opinions of parents and teachers about the abolition of the Turkish Language and Turkish Culture course in middle schools in France. The data for this study were collected through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured interview form and were conducted with a case study pattern, one of the qualitative research approaches. The typical case sampling method, which is one of the purposive sampling methods, was used to determine the study group of the research. Within the scope of the research, face-to-face interviews were conducted with seven parents, who have children studying in middle schools in France and eight teachers assigned to shcools in France by the Ministry of National Education (France). The data gathered from the interviews were analyzed by content analysis, and certain codes were reached, and related codes were brought together under certain themes. According to the findings, participating parents and teachers stated that the Turkish Language and Turkish Culture course in middle schools in France is necessary and very important for the language development of the students.

Hezbollah’s Escalating War Strategy Following October 7: Balancing Ideology and Geopolitical Context

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 18:43:00 GMT

This study explores Hezbollah’s evolving war strategy following the October 7, 2023, Operation al-Aqsa Flood, emphasizing its gradual shift toward high-intensity engagement with Israel. Utilizing Ontological Security Theory, the analysis examines Hezbollah’s decision-making process, considering its dual role as a Lebanese political actor and a resistance movement. Initially refraining from full-scale warfare, Hezbollah transitioned to more intense military actions, including missile strikes targeting Haifa and Tel Aviv, in response to Israel’s increased airstrikes on Lebanon and the announcement of a ground invasion. The study highlights how Hezbollah’s strategic decisions balance immediate security concerns, domestic and regional dynamics, and the preservation of its ideological identity. By contextualizing these actions within broader Middle Eastern conflicts, this research underscores the importance of ontological security in understanding the behavior of non-state actors amid escalating tensions.

The Sursuk Family and Land Dealings in Ottoman Palestine: A Historical Perspective (1890-1920)

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 18:30:00 GMT

In the late 19th century, the Jewish migration to Palestine had a wide range of political, economic, and social impacts that have continued to the present day. The belief of the Jews that the land of Palestine was promised to them constituted one of the principles on which the migration movement was based and one of the main factors that motivated migration. The Zionist Community’s backing was a major factor in the background of Jewish immigration to Palestine of the Ottoman Empire. One of the activities of this Zionist organization in Palestine was to purchase the land on behalf of the Jews through the Sursuk family, one of the rich landowners of the region. By selling the properties they held in Palestine to Jewish settlers, the Sursuks contributed to the permanent settlement of Jews. This article will examine the Sursuk family’s involvement in the sale of Palestine to Jews, considering Ottoman Archive documents. These documents, which cover the years 1890-1920, provide details on how Palestinian territories were sold to Jewish settlers via the Sursuks. This study also aims to understand the overall picture of land sales by touching upon the multidimensional regional/international cooperation established by the Sursuk family.

From Holocaust Victimization to Construction of Sovereignty Image: A Critical Study on Fauda

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 18:21:00 GMT

This article analyses the series Fauda, which portrays the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one of the longest-running conflicts in international politics and the subject of numerous initiatives by the international community. The paper also focuses on series’ narrative based on the conflict’s political dynamics. The main aim of the study is to analyze uses with metonymic abstraction, Israel’s security-oriented strategy narrative and its attempt to legitimize its claim to sovereignty over Palestinian territories and to seek an answer to the question of why Palestinian side is transformed into the passive and trouble-making party. In this context, Fauda is a field of expression where social struggles are reproduced, and the discourse of sovereignty is appropriated in favor of Israel. The innocence defined in Holocaust films evolves into a prevented chaos in Fauda. While humanism is a quality that purifies human being from violence, in Fauda, it is necessary to secure humanist violence.

The Transformation of Turkish-Israeli Relations after Al-Aqsa Flood: An Analysis of Geopolitical, Political, and Social Dynamics

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 18:03:00 GMT

Türkiye established diplomatic relations with Israel in 1949, with Ankara’s recognition of the Jewish state. During the Cold War era, the relations were shaped by geopolitical and security concerns such as Soviet expansionism. Over the years, both countries opted for a pragmatic rapprochement in the aftermath of the Abraham Accords, which normalized ties between Israel and several Gulf Arab states in a significant realignment in regional dynamics. For Türkiye, it was a calculated decision against regional isolation and evolving dynamics. Operation al-Aqsa Flood and Israel’s subsequent invasion of Gaza turned out to be another key moment that caused significant social sensitivity to Türkiye’s ties to Tel Aviv. This article examines the evolution of Türkiye-Israel ties through three critical events: the Abraham Accords, Turkish foreign policy’s post-Arab Spring reorientation, and social reactions to Israel’s genocide in Gaza. It also analyzes the gradual transformation of Türkiye-Israel ties from being mainly shaped by political elites to being increasingly influenced by social pressures and sensitivities. Its trajectory now depends on a complex web of structural, geopolitical factors, and domestic public opinion, and suggests a potential foreign policy recalibration for Türkiye.

Reflections of the Palestinian-Israeli War in Western Media: The Case of Thomson Reuters

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 17:30:00 GMT

The Palestinian-Israeli conflict has long been a central issue in the Middle East, with global resonance and significant media reflections. Western media often claim neutrality, but are criticized for ignoring power imbalances and presenting news largely from an Israel-centric perspective, highlighting Israel’s security concerns while downplaying Palestinian suffering. International media organizations play a key role in shaping global perceptions, yet ownership and control are concentrated in Western companies, which shape news policies based on political, ideological, and cultural values. This study examines how Thomson Reuters, one of the world’s most influential international news agencies, covered the Palestinian-Israeli war beginning on October 7, 2023. Using content analysis, news published between October 7, 2023, and January 7, 2024, were analyzed in terms of language, themes, visuals, tone, and emphasis. Findings highlight the role of media ownership and reveal how Western-origin international media shape narratives on Middle Eastern conflicts, contributing to future research on war journalism and media studies.

The British Academia and the Genocide in Gaza

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 17:05:00 GMT

This article critically examines the muted and often suppressive response of British academia to the unfolding genocide in Gaza following the events of October 7, 2023. While academic freedom is traditionally upheld as a pillar of liberal democratic societies, the article argues that it has been significantly compromised in the UK by geopolitical alliances, neoliberal institutional logics, and the weaponization of anti-Semitism. Drawing on concepts such as biopolitics, cultural hegemony, and grievability, the study explores how British universities have internalized state narratives that silence dissent on Israel-Palestine issues. The article provides a detailed analysis of administrative interventions, student protests, media campaigns, and government pressure that have collectively restricted pro-Palestinian expression and academic critique. Case studies of prominent academics and student movements reveal how accusations of anti-Semitism have been deployed to suppress legitimate criticism of Israeli policies. Despite this climate of fear and censorship, the article also highlights moments of resistance, including large-scale protests, court vindications, and calls for divestment from companies complicit in Israeli war crimes. The article concludes by asserting that the Gaza crisis has exposed a profound ethical failure within British academia, necessitating a structural reimagining of academic responsibility, free speech, and global solidarity.

Legal Implications of the ICJ Proceedings Regarding Israel’s Conduct in Gaza

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 16:54:00 GMT

This study examines the interim injunction decisions made by the International Court of Justice in a case where South Africa accused the State of Israel of committing the crime of “Genocide.” The study explores the idea that international law predominantly serves the powerful and argues that progress can be made in terms of international law concerning Gaza. It aims to challenge the notion that law solely benefits the powerful based on the concept of “common interest.”

Testing Human Rights in Gaza under the Genocide Convention

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 16:15:00 GMT

The humanitarian crisis and violations of international law committed during Israel’s attacks on Gaza after Hamas’ Operation al-Aqsa Flood on October 7, 2023, have led to accusations against Tel Aviv within the scope of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. In various reports prepared by independent experts within the United Nations, it has been stated that Israel’s actions contain strong evidence of genocide in Palestine and prove the existence of genocidal intent. On December 29, 2023, South Africa filed an application against Israel with the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging that Israel had violated its obligations under the Genocide Convention toward Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, and requested interim measures to end the attacks and provide humanitarian assistance. The insistence on the non-implementation of binding interim measures issued by the ICJ and Israel’s continued attacks despite the ceasefire call into question the effectiveness of international human rights protection mechanisms. This case before the court should be seen as an opportunity to prevent the commission of a grave crime such as genocide and to reinforce the supremacy of international law against human rights violations.

The Rise of Theopolitical Discourse: Sacred Narratives and Israeli Strategies of Destruction against Palestinians

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 15:53:00 GMT

This article examines Israel’s policies toward Palestinians following Operation al-Aqsa Flood, within a conceptual framework that emphasizes processes of othering, destruction, and purification. Since the onset of the conflict, tens of thousands of Palestinians have lost their lives, and essential infrastructure has been systematically targeted. The analysis argues that conventional concepts of international relations, such as conflict, crisis, or war, are insufficient to fully explain the underlying logic of Israeli policies. Instead, it proposes that these policies should be examined through a theopolitical lens that highlights the interplay between political narratives, religious doctrines, and practices of violence. Specifically, the study focuses on two foundational doctrines in the Jewish tradition: the concept of chosenness and the Promised Land. These doctrines have been mobilized in political discourse as instruments for legitimizing exclusion and the construction of Palestinians as the “other.”

Are All Gazans Hamas?

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 14:43:00 GMT

This article investigates the people in Gaza’s perceptions of the current war and the role of international actors in facilitating peace. A survey conducted with 1,188 respondents across Gaza reveals that 58 percent attribute responsibility for the war to Israel. The majority (58.2 percent) believe the losses in Gaza after October 7 are not worth the achievements. Respondents favor both military and diplomatic solutions, with 27.7 percent supporting a global coalition and 16.1 percent advocating for canceling relations. 64 percent of Gazans still regard Hamas as indispensable for Palestine’s future. The PLO is perceived as less legitimate and effective than Hamas. International actors seen as important to shaping Palestine’s future include Egypt, Jordan, the UN, Saudi Arabia, the U.S., and Türkiye while Israel faces strong opposition, as do the EU and the U.S. These findings reveal a wide range of views on Hamas and Israel, challenging the narrative that all Gazans align with Hamas. The continued legitimacy of Hamas among Gazans indicates the futility of Israel’s long-held policy of “the Iron Wall.” Support for Hamas especially during intense attacks on their group survival can be well-explained by the findings in political psychology literature.

From Operator’s to AI’s Control: Assessing the Killer Drones Future Role in Warfare

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 13:23:00 GMT

Although the nature of war remains the same, its characteristics have been dynamic throughout history. One of the most significant factors contributing to this dynamism is technology. Every technological advancement introduced to the battlefield has brought and continues to bring striking changes to the conduct of conflicts. In particular, the impact of autonomous weapons and unmanned vehicles has highlighted the need for a more comprehensive reconsideration of warfare. The integration of AI into these systems takes the concept of war to an entirely new dimension. Accordingly, this study will discuss the implications of AI-supported killer drones. Currently these drones are expected to make fewer errors than operator-controlled ones in processes such as target identification, real-time and continuous tracking, high-accuracy neutralization, and evading counterattacks. Consequently, the use of AI-enhanced systems has been analyzed in terms of their pressure on adversaries and the countermeasures they might provoke. The study referenced the concrete example of the Ukraine-Russian war, where killer drones have been deployed, facilitating a more tangible discussion and addressing the potential transformations AI could bring to future warfare.