Insight Turkey / issues

Editor's Note | Summer 2025

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 13:06:00 GMT

This special issue offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary examination of ongoing conflicts, state policies, media narratives, and societal responses, shedding light on the political, legal, and humanitarian challenges at the heart of the Israel-Palestine war and its global reverberations. Together, the contributions call for deeper analytical nuance, ethical awareness, and proactive engagement with the complex dynamics shaping the region today. We hope this issue will serve as a meaningful contribution to the growing body of analysis on the Gaza war and its broader implications.

The Hollow Promise of Recognition in the Shadow of the Genocide in Gaza

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 13:34:00 GMT

The recent wave of recognition of the Palestinian state comes at a moment when an unprecedented combination of Zionist settler-colonial eliminatory practices, including ethnic cleansing, urbicide, territorial appropriation, and genocide, threatens the very existence of the Palestinian people. This piece argues that such recognition is hollow, as it entails virtually no concrete measures to safeguard the people and territory, the two essential pillars of any statehood, of the purported Palestinian state. The terms of recognition bring the Palestinian people no closer to genuine freedom, self-determination, or sovereignty. Rather than compelling Israel to end the ongoing genocide, territorial appropriation, and systematic dispossession of the Palestinian people, this framework effectively rewards it through regional normalization while simultaneously undermining Palestinians’ moral and legal right to resist settler-colonialism and pursue their freedom. In practice, such recognition functions as a diplomatic gesture that provides political cover, diverting attention from the urgent need to terminate the Zionist settler-colonial project and its ongoing crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide.

The UAE in Northeast Africa: Navigating the Ups and Downs of a ‘By Any Means Necessary’ Policy

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 13:48:00 GMT

Evidence shows that the UAE’s interest in Africa gained significant momentum in the post-2010 period. Principally anchored around economic and geopolitical aspirations, the UAE’s investment in the continent exceeds $60 billion. While the UAE significantly invested in various sectors, it also paid close attention to the geopolitical and strategic relevance of Africa. It has built ports and military outposts and engaged in security and defense cooperation and investments across the continent. In hindsight, we can reasonably extrapolate that the UAE’s geopolitical and strategic interests in Africa are mainly focused on three but not mutually exclusive goals: to stand out as a formidable power player in Africa and elsewhere, to fight the Muslim Brotherhood and other security threats, including al-Shabaab and the Houthis, and to protect its economic and strategic pursuits in Africa. However, drawing from various reports, research articles, news outlets, and other web-based sources, this analysis argues that behind this attractive smokescreen lurks a monarchy bent on achieving its aspirations anywhere and at any cost, and thus, by any means necessary in Africa.

Algeria’s Diplomatic Mobility toward New Regional and International Prestige

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 13:59:00 GMT

Algeria’s tumultuous geopolitical environment has often pushed its leaders to reshape the country’s foreign policy and military doctrine objectives. Following the fall of the late President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in April 2019, Algeria entered a new phase of political transformation. The country’s growing diplomatic activity, aimed at achieving renewed regional and international prestige, reflects a strengthening of its new foreign policy paradigm, one characterized by active and preemptive diplomacy. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration seeks development and economic prosperity as a foundation for greater credibility in foreign policy. This ambition is closely linked to the domestic political reforms launched after his election in December 2019. There is no doubt that Algeria’s foreign policy behavior serves as a strategic tool for leadership, as its policymakers pursue a more assertive external posture that embodies the dynamics of peace and stability. This approach contributes to Algeria’s emerging doctrine of multilateral, platform-based diplomacy.

Path to Peace: “Principled Negotiation” for Azerbaijan and Armenia

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 14:09:00 GMT

This commentary examines the application of basic provisions of the principled negotiation method in the ongoing Armenia-Azerbaijan peace talks. Developed in the early 1980s by academics at the Harvard Negotiation Project, a distinctive feature of the principled method is the approach toward negotiations as a mutual search for a solution beneficial to all involved parties. Cooperation between the parties is vital to the process. Likewise, considering each other’s interests is also an indispensable part of the negotiations. The analysis argues that the principled negotiation method could bring security and long-lasting peace to the South Caucasus.

Discussing the ‘New Türkiye’ in the Context of Strengthening the State

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 14:29:00 GMT

In recent decades, the foundational narratives of modernity have come under intense scrutiny. Global phenomena such as neoliberalism, mass migration, and economic transformation have challenged national sovereignty and questioned the legitimacy of the nation-state model. This article argues that Türkiye, through its ‘New Türkiye’ strategy, is not returning to the early republican ideals but reconfiguring itself as a regional economic and political center. It examines how nationalism and state power are restructured in the post-Kemalist context. Drawing on the work of theorists like Wendy Brown and Carl Schmitt, the article explores the erosion of modern sovereignty and the rise of new state logics. It concludes that the ‘New Türkiye’ reflects a shift away from closed nationalist frameworks towards a pragmatic, multipolar model of statehood, balancing tradition and global repositioning.

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.

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

Al-Aqsa Flood as a Turning Point: Historical Roots, Israel’s Response, and the Colonial Question

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:09:00 GMT

These three books bring together the multi-layered causes of the al-Aqsa Flood Operation, the destructive nature of Israel’s response, and the regional and global consequences of the event, offering readers a comprehensive and critical understanding of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The operation went beyond being merely a military attack, dealing a severe blow to Israel’s international legitimacy, reshaping regional power dynamics, and exposing the colonial reality faced by the Palestinian people on the global stage. These works fill gaps in the existing literature and serve as an indispensable reference for anyone seeking to understand the future trajectory of the conflict. They are essential for comprehending the profound and lasting transformations that the al-Aqsa Flood has brought about, not only in the Middle East but across the entire world.

Dış Politikada Türkiye Doktrini

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:09:00 GMT

Debates surrounding the orientation of Turkish foreign policy, particularly discussions on its strategic anchor and claims of an axis shift, remain relevant to both academic and policy circles.

Changing Security Paradigm in West Asia: Regional and International Responses

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:12:00 GMT

Although discussions on the regional policies of the European Union are addressed in the context of internal dynamics, more concrete policy suggestions could have been presented. In addition, the connections between some chapters could have been established more strongly, thus providing a better overall integrity for the book.

The Rise and Fall of the Eagle: An Assessment of the Liberal World Order

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:15:00 GMT

U.S. hegemony was steadily established over the years through security alliances, international financial institutions, and democratic rhetoric, all favoring the liberal paradigm. The U.S. unipolar moment following the fall of the USSR in 1991 was a boastful period, but the 1990s were a crucial decade.

The Politics of Policy Analysis

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:17:00 GMT

The book offers a broader perspective on the policy analysis process and critiques the classical five-step policy analysis method. According to the author, a five-step policy analysis represents pragmatic responses to solve political problems, but he points out that the approach remains far from providing a full understanding of the complexity of policy making

Batı Dışı Dünya: Hindistan, Güney Afrika ve Türkiye’de Dış Politika Ufku

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:19:00 GMT

Many states seek to play roles that exceed their material capabilities. Therefore, comprehending the complexities of foreign policymaking necessitates an examination that transcends mere economic and military powers, encompassing culture, religion, historical legacy, and self-consciousness as influential factors.