By Adem Kılıç, Political scientist Israel’s military and economic siege of Gaza, which began after October 7, 2023, has reached a point where it is calling into question not only the Middle East but also the moral positions of Western capitals and the legitimacy of the international order. The developments at the United Nations Palestine Conference in New York last ...

By Mehmet Enes Beşer International attention for much of the 21st century has centered on China’s economic ascendance. With its hyper-growth, global trade network, and wide-ranging Belt and Road Initiative, China has begun to challenge the United States on the most critical economic metrics. Less remarked but more in sight is that China is also making a low-key but determined ...

The Center for National Strategy (USMER) has organized an international conference on the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea on July 18 and 19 in Istanbul, Türkiye. Today, we present the speech of the Russian Federation’s General Consul in Istanbul, Türkiye, Andrey Buravov. The speech was held in Turkish, unofficial translation by UWI. Dear Conference Organizers and Participants, On behalf ...

By Onur Sinan Güzaltan The US is planning to establish a new order in West Asia by mending ties between Türkiye and Israel through Syria. From Washington’s perspective, Türkiye is a partner it cannot afford to lose entirely in the region. And Israel is the US’s outpost in West Asia. So, easing tensions between Ankara and Tel Aviv is of ...

The Caucasus remains one of the world’s most strategic regions, connecting Central Asia with Europe, via Türkiye, and simultaneously, Russia with Iran and the Persian Gulf, via Armenia and Azerbaijan. Efforts for a lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan are overshadowed by a growing US interference into the region. Most recently, US ambassador to Türkiye, Thomas Barrack, proposed that the ...

Last week, at the top of the agenda were new developments and statements regarding the new initiative named as a “Terror-Free Türkiye” which includes the disarmament and dissolution of the PKK. Meanwhile, Türkiye continues to closely monitor developments in Syria. Critical remarks made last week by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on the issue were another major item on the agenda. ...

By Mehmet Enes Beşer For decades, Thailand has been Southeast Asia’s automotive powerhouse, earning the title of the “Detroit of Asia.” Thailand boasts a robust manufacturing base, world-class logistics centers, and stable policy backing, which have attracted investments from top carmakers and made it a regional export hub. But a nuanced shift may be in the works. Chinese electric vehicle ...

The Center for National Strategy (USMER) has organized an international conference on the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea on July 18 and 19 in Istanbul, Türkiye. Today, we present the speech of Aboulghasem Tahmasebi Shahrbabek, general consul of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Istanbul, Türkiye. The Strategic Importance of Iran and the Black Sea Region: A Vision for ...

After months of negotiations, the United States and the European Union have come to an agreement both regarding trade and investment policies as well as strategic relations. ● Tariffs & Trade Barriers ● Strategic Commitments ● Non-Tariff Cooperation & Economic Security The U.S. had threatened up to 30% tariffs on EU imports; settling at 15% was seen as a compromise ...

By Mehmet Enes Beşer Climate change is no longer a danger to Southeast Asia that may occur—climate change is everyday reality that humans are having trouble adjusting to. From rising oceans that menace coastal towns to the intense weather patterns annihilating food systems and livelihoods, the region is leading the charge on the climate crisis. ASEAN policymakers have begun to ...