Insight Turkey / issues

Editor's Note | Winter 2024

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 20:10:00 GMT

This latest special edition of Insight Turkey meticulously explores the evolving dynamics of Türkiye’s engagement with East Asia under the ambit of the Asia Anew Initiative. This edition is distinguished by a series of foundational articles that provide a thorough overview of the initiative, alongside in-depth analyses of Türkiye’s bilateral relationships with key Asian nations. We trust that the comprehensive discussions and diverse perspectives presented in this issue will offer our readers valuable insights and deepen their understanding of the intricate geopolitical landscape.

Asia Anew Initiative: Main Aspects of Türkiye’s Asia Opening

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 21:53:00 GMT

The center of gravity in the world has shifted from the Atlantic to Asia over the last decade. The Asian continent has emerged as the geopolitical and geo-economic hub of the world, undergoing a remarkable transformation. This transformation is reshaping the global balance of power. In this context, it is apparent that the dominant theme of the 21st century at the global level is the “Rise of Asia.” This rise is primarily driven by economic dynamics, yet its supplementary elements in political, military, and cultural spheres are increasingly apparent. Initially perceived as being predominantly centered around China, it is now widely recognized that the entire Asian region is undergoing developmental strides, particularly in economic terms, positioning Asian countries as significant future actors. The Asia Anew Initiative, launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, represents the country’s comprehensive, long term, holistic, and systematic vision for Asia. This commentary will analyze Türkiye’s overall perspective on the Asian continent and discuss the main dynamics of the initiative.

The Historic Bond: The South African Liberation Movement and the Palestinian Struggle

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 22:00:00 GMT

In today’s world, we are witnessing one of the gravest crises humanity has faced: the ongoing genocide by Israel against the Palestinians. This situation has compelled South Africa to initiate legal proceedings against Israel at the ICJ, seeking accountability for the severe human rights violations and acts of genocide perpetrated against the Palestinian people. To fully grasp the significance of South Africa’s action, it’s essential to explore the deep-rooted and historic ties that bind South Africa’s liberation efforts to the Palestinian fight for freedom. This commentary delves into the intertwined narratives of oppression, resistance, and unity shared by these movements, illuminating the striking similarities between the apartheid regime in South Africa and Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. Additionally, the discussion sheds light on South Africa’s rationale for approaching the ICJ. In conclusion, the commentary underscores the solidarity between South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement and the Palestinian liberation struggle, highlighting the importance of global solidarity, accountability, and collective endeavor in championing justice and equality.

Palestinian Political Prisoners in Israeli Jails: Stories of Resistance

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 23:01:00 GMT

The Palestinian cause was brought one more time to the agenda of global politics after the Gaza 2023 genocide. At the heart of the ongoing genocide was the question of Palestinian prisoners. One of the motives of the October 7, 2023, Hamas’ al-Aqsa Flood Operation was to release Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails by taking Israeli hostages. Palestinian prisoners have played an important role in the Palestinian national movement. This commentary highlights the stories of some of these prisoners and their role in the ongoing genocide in Gaza in addition to analyzing how they are an integral part of the Palestinian national movement. This commentary sheds light on the significant impact Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails have on current events by featuring a selection of the author's works, including “The Prisoners’ Diaries: Palestinian Voices from the Israeli Gulag,” “Dreaming of Freedom: Palestinian Child Prisoners Speak,” and “A Shared Struggle: Stories of Palestinian and Irish Hunger Strikers.

Military Power and International Security

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 23:06:00 GMT

In an article published by the author in Insight Turkey, the impact of economic power on international security was discussed with a detailed explanation of the connection between economic and military power. However, there was inadequate discussion of the links between military power and international security. This article aims to explain the impact of military power on international security and how a state can achieve its security objectives by employing military power. In addition to conceptual and theoretical ideas, the analysis contains a discussion of actual examples of the use of military power, especially by Türkiye in recent years, in achieving its international security objectives.

Japan: The Super Nation Brand

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 23:11:00 GMT

This study explores Japan’s national brand evolution, analyzing the shift from its historical isolation to its current global recognition, particularly under the influence of Shinzo Abe’s policies. It examines the impact of the 2011 disasters on Japan's international image and the strategic measures taken to address internal challenges such as gender inequality and educational reform. Through a critical lens, this study delves into the juxtaposition of Japan's soft power success against its domestic issues. Furthermore, it contributes to the understanding of nation branding in the context of global dynamics and internal policy shifts, offering a comprehensive view of Japan's strategy in maintaining its cultural identity while navigating global perceptions.

Türkiye’s “-lateralisms” in Asia: A Multi-Vectorial Analysis

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 23:20:00 GMT

This study aims to illustrate that multi-vectorial approaches in foreign policy could not only be practical but also productive for middle powers. With this aim, the study conceptualizes Turkish foreign policy in Asia with multi-vectorism, a foreign policy behavioral pattern that has been mainly utilized for post-Soviet countries’ concurrent interactions with the West (the EU, the U.S.) and the non-West (Russia). The study, firstly, argues that Asian international relations require a more composite re-definition of multi-vectorism, since in Asia, due to the intra-regional fragmentations and diversions, there are more than the conventional two vectors, the West and the non-West. By considering this argument the study applies multi-vectorism to Türkiye’s foreign policy in Asia by comparing the practicability of different interaction patterns, e.g., multilateralism, minilateralism, and bilateralism. The study, secondly, argues that Türkiye’s multi-vectorial foreign policy in Asia is particularly successful in its bilateral relations and less so in its multilateral and minilateral interactions.

Türkiye-India Relations in the 21st Century: Progress, Challenges, and Prospects

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 23:26:00 GMT

This study analyzes the multifaceted dynamics of Türkiye-India relations from 2000 to 2023, exploring their bilateral interactions across diplomatic, economic, scientific, and cultural spheres. It delves into both nations’ foreign policy strategies, considering the historical context and evolving geopolitical landscapes. Despite historical tensions and differing stances on issues like Kashmir and Cyprus, the research highlights a trajectory of improving relations, particularly in economic engagements and cultural exchanges. The study underscores the influence of global shifts and internal political changes on their diplomatic approaches, with Türkiye’s strategic pivot under the AK Party (since 2002) and India’s assertive foreign policy under the BJP (since 2014) shaping their international postures. By examining trade patterns, institutional collaborations, and societal interactions, the article articulates a complex yet progressively cooperative relationship between Türkiye and India, pointing toward a future where economic diplomacy and mutual interests may further solidify their ties amid regional and global challenges.

Toward Building a Deeper Relationship between Türkiye and Japan for the Next 100 Years

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 23:32:00 GMT

The year 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Türkiye and Japan. The Republic of Türkiye and Japan established diplomatic relations on August 6, 1924. The legacy of the Ertuğrul incident was firmly entrenched between the two countries. On the other hand, although there is no conflict between Türkiye and Japan due to their geographical distance, it is also difficult to foster a concrete cooperative relationship. For this reason, the relationship between the two countries was often referred to as “romanticism.” Furthermore, to take a deeper look at the relationship between Türkiye and Japan, it is essential to better understand the issues that each other faces. This article looks back at the past relationship between the two countries, in which it was difficult to see a concrete cooperative relationship despite the good relationship, and examines the diplomatic constraints and public opinion that Japan faces and what areas the two countries will pursue in more concrete ways in the future. The study considers whether such cooperation is possible, mainly from Japan’s perspective.

From Ottoman Outreach to Modern Connections: Türkiye-Malaysia Relations

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 23:38:00 GMT

Southeast Asia was known to the classical Islamic world as a region of trade and burgeoning local Muslim communities from the earliest decades of the Islamic era. By the 16th century direct diplomatic connections were established between the local communities and the Ottoman Caliphate and this significant historical relationship is crucial for understanding the dynamics between the Western and Eastern Islamic worlds. Relations persisted until the First World War, after which the Republic of Türkiye emerged as the successor to the Ottoman Empire and interactions were more limited until Malaysia’s independence in 1957, after which a new phase of relations began, and by the 1990s, the relationship between Malaysia and Türkiye had rebounded. This study aims to explore the historical and contemporary relations between Turks and Malays based on primary sources, including Ottoman and Turkish archives, as well as Bahasa Melayu and English materials.

The Intersection between Diplomatic Security and Cooperation: South Korea’s Veteran Diplomacy toward Türkiye

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 23:43:00 GMT

The article attempts to probe veteran diplomacy with the case of Türkiye and adopts its meaning from the distinct historical case of the Korean War. Veteran diplomacy gets attention as a means of new diplomacy as the changes in global political and economic order have brought limitations to state-centric diplomatic relations since the late 20th century. Veteran diplomacy can be utilized as an opportunity to expand South Korea’s soft power in the new public diplomacy era of the 21st century. It engages diverse diplomatic actors and interacts with war veterans of the UN allied nations based on diplomatic security policies. It led to the effect of public diplomacy via open and multilateral communication between the countries and creating amicable and favorable environments to strengthen ties as well as improve South Korea’s reputation in international society. It also paves the way for security cooperation with Türkiye.

Structural Shift in Türkiye-East Asia Economic Relations: The Demise of Japan and the Rise of China and South Korea

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 23:51:00 GMT

Türkiye’s economic relations with East Asia have gone through a significant structural shift over the last two decades. Previously, Japan dominated Türkiye’s trade with East Asia and foreign direct investment inflows from East Asia to Türkiye. However, recently both South Korea and China have surpassed Japan as major trading partners of Türkiye in East Asia and caught up with Japan in foreign investments in Türkiye. The dependence of the Turkish economy on intermediate inputs from China, in particular, rose remarkably. The shift from Japan toward South Korea, and more significantly, to China in Türkiye’s economic relations with East Asia reflects the changing division of labor in the East Asian region and the rise of China as a manufacturing superpower. In this analysis, we discuss the extent of this shift in Türkiye’s relations in light of the ongoing talks of a proposed free trade agreement between Türkiye and Japan, the changing global trade environment due to the decoupling from China, and the increasing fragmentation of the world economy.

Procedures for the Acquisition of Citizenship in the Republic of Kosovo

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 23:57:00 GMT

The Republic of Kosovo is a parliamentary republic that declared its independence on February 17, 2008. Currently, Kosovo is in the stage of institutional, political, and economic development and consolidation, and is strongly advancing toward the Euro-Atlantic integration process. States, in principle, within the domestic power they possess, have the right to regulate the procedures and requirements of acquiring and revoking citizenship, which can be considered as an element and instrument of the exercise of state sovereignty. However, states are generally careful when drafting legislation regarding citizenship to align their legal guidelines with important international instruments. The Council of Europe’s Convention on Nationality, along with the Law on Citizenship of Kosovo and those of other states subject to comparison, are the subject of this paper. The new Law on Citizenship (which is currently in force) was approved in 2013. This law defines the modalities of acquisition, loss, and re-acquisition of citizenship of Kosovo and other issues related to citizenship. The main focus of this article is the correct definition and fair implementation of the procedures, criteria and requirements of the modalities for obtaining the citizenship of Kosovo through the Law on Citizenship of Kosovo and other related laws. Such an approach will contribute, no matter how little, in facilitating a fairer execution of the Law on Citizenship of Kosovo.

The Ukraine War: Impacts on the International System and Türkiye

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 0:16:00 GMT

This article argues that the Ukraine war is the first major conflict since the end of the Cold War to bring the two major nuclear powers, the U.S. and the Russian Federation, into conflict with one another. The intense U.S. support for the Zelenski Administration in the power struggle in Ukraine and the heavy American sanctions against Russia have pitted Washington and Moscow against each other at a level never seen since the end of the Cold War. The U.S., which was silent on Russia’s intervention in Georgia in 2008, reacted very harshly against Moscow in Ukraine, leading to tension similar to that of the Cold War period. Therefore, this article argues that the impact of the Ukraine war on the international system has been enormous. As a close neighbor of Russia and an ally of the U.S., Türkiye is also significantly affected by this war.

Exploring Climate Migration and Environmental Security: Türkiye to America and Beyond

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 0:25:00 GMT

Since all three books were published in 2023, they are foremost among the works that will be useful for those interested in this topic, as they are up-to-date and address current issues on the relationship between climate change, forced migration, and environmental security. Many studies conducted around the world reveal that the effects of climate change will become much more visible both in the world and in Türkiye, especially in the next decade, and that the lives of millions of people will be directly negatively affected. For this reason, it is important to conduct qualitative and quantitative studies on what awaits Türkiye in terms of climate-related risks, especially in terms of migration.

China and the Indo-Pacific: Maneuvers and Manifestations

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 12:23:00 GMT

China and the Indo-Pacific: Maneuvers and Manifestations is the volume that provides the readers with an all-encompassing view of the state of the art in the Indo-Pacific region. It entails a wide range of perspectives, including those of global powers, regional ones and even those of island nations. However, despite the width of its scope, it omits China’s interactions with some vital parts of Asia, such as Russia and Central Asia; which would further enrich this volume.

Why Bharat Matters

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 13:18:00 GMT

Why Bharat Matters offers a comprehensive overview of India’s foreign policy strategies and their implications for its future role. The book is a valuable resource for readers seeking to understand India’s position on the world stage, with analyses of historical context and current global dynamics. It provides a thorough examination of how India has risen as both a regional and global actor. The book’s analysis and commentary focus solely on economic achievements and national strengths, neglecting important sociological aspects such as social dynamics and changes within the country. India’s rising power and structure are covered in detail, but an analysis of its social structure is lacking.

South Korea’s Middle Power Diplomacy in the Middle East

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 14:32:00 GMT

The book aims both to reveal the political, economic, and institutional nexus in foreign policy approaches in line with geopolitical interests and to understand how South Korea’s foreign policy approach to the Middle East is shaped within the U.S. alliance.

Strategic Uses of Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict: Interest and Identity in Russia and the Post-Soviet Space

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 14:42:00 GMT

This book provides a quite satisfying overview of the use of nationalism as a tool for gaining power and interests in post-Soviet countries including Russia. In this respect, it is a primary source for those interested in contemporary nationalism studies and those who wish to become proficient in this field.

The Declassification Engine: What History Reveals about America’s Top Secrets

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 14:54:00 GMT

A gripping book, The Declassification Engine: What History Reveals About America’s Top Secrets will appeal to anyone with a curiosity in American politics, government and archives as well as the declassification of any kind. However, the author can be subject to criticism on two specific aspects: First, the book is generally intriguing but gives the impression of being a mere accumulation of information. Likewise, it is evident that some sections include a significant amount of repetition. Furthermore, Connelly is highly concerned about the preservation of freedom of information. Nevertheless, there is one aspect that he struggles to acknowledge: certain material may be exceedingly sensitive to the extent that it does not serve the public’s interest for it to be released. Hence, classification is occasionally essential and it is unjust to completely denigrate it.

Political Economy of Palestine: Critical, Interdisciplinary, and Decolonial Perspectives

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 15:19:00 GMT

This book significantly contributes to understanding economic issues from a global perspective, dissecting them into separated factions. As monitored by the editors, these comprehensive studies assist the public in comprehending not only the nature of economic matters but also the historical processes that led to their manifestation. Achieving such depth and insight requires prolonged periods of rigorous analysis, emphasizing the importance of delving extensively into the subject matter to attain a comprehensive understanding.

Water and Conflict in the Middle East

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 15:26:00 GMT

Water and Conflict in the Middle East have made several contributions to the literature on the hydropolitics of the Middle East. Firstly, it discusses concepts and subjects, such as transboundary aquifers, groundwater resources, and the weaponization of water from new perspectives. Secondly, it focuses on the newly emerging non-state actors that have influenced the hydropolitics in the region, such as the ISIS and KRG. Thirdly, it has concentrated largely on the current hydropolitical developments in the Middle East, such as the Yemeni water crisis and GERD.

Armies of Sand: The Past, Present, and Future of Arab Military Effectiveness

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 15:33:00 GMT

Pollack’s Armies of Sand provides important insights about the wars and Arab armies in the Middle East since 1945. Hence, it is a must-read for those who want to learn about the political history of the Middle East. In the book, Pollack analyses the state of Arab armies, exposing their shortcomings and failures. In this endeavor, he draws comparisons between nations like Vietnam and North Korea, which adopted similar Soviet doctrines. However, geographical features of these countries (such as mountains and rivers) which should be taken into account for strategy matters are ignored.

Islamic Finance in Africa: The Prospects for Sustainable Development

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 17:15:00 GMT

This book holds a distinctive position within the limited field of Islamic finance studies in Africa, offering unique contributions such as solutions, policy recommendations, and strategies for addressing Africa’s development challenges through Islamic finance. However, the book also exhibits certain weaknesses and areas for improvement. Firstly, considering it covers an entire continent, more case studies and comprehensive coverage across Africa were expected, which the book unfortunately does not fulfill. An approach covering the state of Islamic finance in each African country individually, along with providing basic information, would have enriched the reader’s understanding.

History of South Africa: From 1902 to the Present

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 17:19:00 GMT

History of South Africa: From 1902 to the Present, is a work that appeals not only to academics and students but also to readers interested in gaining insights into the history, politics, economy, and culture of the Republic of South Africa.