Kadir Ustun moderated a panel discussion titled, “AI’s Impact on Journalism: Balancing Accuracy, Objectivity, and the Threat of Deepfakes.”
Kadir Ustun moderated a panel discussion titled, “AI’s Impact on Journalism: Balancing Accuracy, Objectivity, and the Threat of Deepfakes.”
Under AK Party, Türkiye achieved remarkably enduring progress across its social, cultural, political, and economic spheres.
Türkiye’s foreign policy has been gaining momentum in recent months as a series of developments bolster each other, taking place in quick succession. • Türkiye’s relations with the United States entered a new chapter as the Turkish Parliament signed off […]
Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the Antalya Diplomacy Forum organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The forum addressed numerous issues concerning Türkiye’s foreign policy priorities, with a particular focus on the reconstruction of the international […]
I attended the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on Friday. Bringing together politicians, diplomats, academics, journalists and think tankers from 147 countries, the event has already claimed a respectable place among the world’s leading platforms. The forum took place shortly after the Russian-Ukrainian war […]
The debate on Turkish foreign policy’s “axis,” “strategic autonomy” and “normalization” policy was recently revived by Parliament’s approval of Sweden’s NATO membership, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Cairo trip and Türkiye joining the European Sky Shield Initiative. I deliberately use the […]
As uncertainty, competition and conflict gain momentum within the international system, Türkiye engages in diplomacy to play a more defining role in global and regional crises. Having stepped up to manage the COVID-19 pandemic and worked toward a cease-fire in Ukraine […]
The grain corridor crisis, a focal point of ideological conflict, escalated as Russia ceased its agreement to export grains, demanding an end to sanctions on its fertilizer companies. While the U.S. accused Russia of weaponizing food, Russia sought to provide free grains to African countries and criticized Western sanctions. Amidst rising tensions, Türkiye, led by President Erdoğan, plays a crucial diplomatic role, advocating for a balanced resolution between the West and Russia, and emphasizing the need for multilateral efforts to address global challenges.
The argument that Hamas bears responsibility for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as put forward by Israel, has not convinced the American public. Unlike previous operations and wars, Israel’s attempts to justify targeting civilians in Gaza and its insensitive remarks […]
The political dynamics within the American Congress and the activities of lobbying groups have long been significant factors negatively impacting Turkish-American relations. Since the 1970s, Congress has constrained the broad authority of the White House in foreign policy, leading to […]
Israel’s bombardment of Gaza has been underway for 12 days. Preparing for a ground operation, the Israeli army kills hundreds of Palestinians every single day. The strict blockade of Gaza, which prevents the delivery of humanitarian aid, has already rendered […]
Israel urges UN to move 1.1M Palestinians from Gaza, facing global criticism. U.S. and Türkiye seek diplomatic solutions amid rising tensions.
Israel intensifies Gaza conflict with U.S. support, risking wider regional tensions. U.N. condemns, Türkiye leads peace efforts.
The Qassam Brigades’ attack on Israel reignited the Israel-Palestine conflict. Israel’s harsh response, including a blockade and potential ground offensive, signifies a major escalation. Netanyahu’s government ignores the two-state solution, supported by U.S. policies and the Abraham Accords. Hamas, possibly aided by Iran, challenges Israel’s security, while Netanyahu hints at targeting Iran and its allies. President Erdoğan calls for calm and diplomatic intervention to prevent further regional turmoil.
Türkiye conducted airstrikes in Syria and Iraq following a PKK-YPG-linked terrorist attack in Ankara. Foreign Minister Fidan’s statement and a defense meeting photo emphasize Türkiye’s commitment to counterterrorism. Tensions with the U.S. arose after a U.S. jet downed a Turkish drone, highlighting the need for coordination. Türkiye remains determined to fight PKK/YPG, despite U.S. policy challenges. Domestic politics, especially ahead of elections, influence Türkiye’s military authorization decisions.
Türkiye’s geopolitical significance is evident through involvement in Ukraine peace talks, counterterrorism in Syria and Iraq, influence in the South Caucasus, and potential railroad projects linking Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Under President Erdoğan, Türkiye seeks strategic autonomy, balancing relations with global powers while frustrating the West. The West’s failure to isolate Russia, support for the PKK/YPG, and strategic blindness in regional cooperation highlight Türkiye’s growing regional influence.
President Erdoğan visited Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan, amid regional tensions. Azerbaijan’s operation in Karabakh and Türkiye’s support signal strategic integration. Erdoğan’s U.N. speech and Aliyev’s appreciation underscore their alignment. Armenia’s internal challenges and Pashinyan’s strained relations with Russia add complexity. Ankara seeks a peace treaty between Baku and Yerevan to stabilize the region, highlighting Erdoğan’s role in fostering regional order and potential shifts in Armenia’s geopolitical stance.
Erdoğan’s remarks in Nakhchivan highlight several key issues: Azerbaijan’s military operation in Karabakh, Armenia’s role in regional peace, U.S.-Türkiye relations and F-16 jets, the strategic Zangezur Corridor, Armenia’s accountability for past actions, advocating for TRNC’s recognition, and Türkiye-Israel energy cooperation. He emphasizes the importance of seizing peace opportunities, resolving disputes, and strengthening strategic partnerships for regional stability and development.
President Erdoğan’s New York trip focused on UN reform, advocating a new international order. He held significant meetings with Israeli PM Netanyahu and Greek PM Mitsotakis, signaling progress in Türkiye’s normalization policy. Discussions covered energy, technology, and regional cooperation. The U.S.-China rivalry’s impact on the region and Türkiye’s proactive approach in fostering cooperation amid global disorder were evident. Türkiye’s strategic actions aim to create stable regional partnerships.
This year’s general debate theme, which takes place after the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) expansion and the G-20 summit in New Delhi, India, will be “rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity.”
President Erdoğan’s visit to Budapest highlighted Türkiye’s advanced strategic partnership with Hungary, aiming to increase bilateral trade to $6 billion. Key discussions included NATO, energy cooperation, and regional stability. Erdoğan emphasized Türkiye’s role in global issues, particularly regarding Sweden’s NATO bid and Africa’s stability, showcasing a unique approach differing from other powers and focusing on mutual benefits and peace.
At the 14th Ambassadors Conference, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan outlined Türkiye’s national foreign policy vision, emphasizing a role in shaping the new international system under President Erdoğan’s leadership. This vision includes promoting peace, security, and welfare, and aims for multilateral cooperation. Fidan’s realistic approach, built on Türkiye’s foreign policy experience, focuses on resolving crises and enhancing global status, with the Foreign Ministry playing a key coordination role.
Russia’s refusal to extend the grain corridor agreement, citing Western sanctions, has escalated tensions. The U.S. accuses Russia of weaponizing food, while Russia offers free grain to African countries and seeks alternatives like the Caspian Sea route. Türkiye, under Erdoğan, plays a key diplomatic role, striving for a multilateral solution to the Ukraine war and the broader West-Russia conflict, highlighting the need for a new, more inclusive multilateral world order beyond Western interests.
Kadir Ustun, the Executive Director of SETA DC, was featured on Al Jazeera, where he discussed Türkiye’s stance on Sweden’s bid to join NATO.
The AK Party years in Türkiye have been truly transformational. When the party was established in 2001, the country was going through major economic and political crises. Today, under the leadership of President Erdoğan, Türkiye is a middle power with […]
Either Turkey will maintain its strategic autonomy and assertive foreign policy or it will return to an obsolete Cold War era foreign policy. Turkey’s May 14 elections are a critical turn for the country which finds itself at a historic […]
Differing visions of Erdogan and Kilicdaroglu have fuelled debate, as the opposition alliance faces challenges in finding common ground What international media have dubbed “the world’s most important election in 2023” is less than a week away. Whether President Recep Tayyip Erdogan or opposition […]
As the recent natural disaster activates ties with Türkiye, it is necessary to use ‘earthquake diplomacy’ to reduce tensions and improve bilateral relations The twin earthquakes in Türkiye have given momentum to diplomatic contacts, as 88 countries delivered aid and […]
It is no secret that some Western governments have been unhappy with Ankara’s autonomous foreign policy in recent years, so some have questioned Türkiye’s NATO membership and policies Rasmus Paludan, a Danish far-right extremist and racist politician, shamelessly burned a copy […]
As we bid farewell to 2022, let’s take a look back at the most defining moments of the year Undoubtedly, one of the most defining moments of this year was the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24. That crisis evolved into […]