Opinion
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Alarm in West Trumpian realism mingles friends and foes
Alarm in West: Trumpian realism mingles friends and foes

Donald Trump has made a fast start to his second term as the president of the U.S., the strongest state in the world. Naturally, not only Americans but also the world's states and nations immediately reacted to this government change. One day after the inauguration of Trump, the leaders of the two rival countries, namely Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, held a virtual meeting.

Trump's Pardon of The Jan 6 Insurrectionists
Trump's Pardon of The Jan. 6 Insurrectionists

One of President Trump’s first actions in office was to pardon everyone involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots. In doing so, Trump contradicted Vice President J.D. Vance, who just last week stated that those who used violence against law enforcement should not be pardoned. This move highlights Trump’s continued unpredictable leadership style. While the pardon signals loyalty to his supporters, it also undermines his political platform’s emphasis on “law and order” by absolving individuals who attacked police officers. Unlike his first term, Trump now wields significantly more political capital, meaning this decision is unlikely to harm him substantially. However, it appears he is willing to spend that capital early, signaling that his allegiance to “Trumpism” outweighs broader principles like law and order.

Revival of Syrian cities Overcoming transitional challenges
Revival of Syrian cities: Overcoming transitional challenges

Syrians have toppled the 60-year-old Assad regime through civil and military resistance, unlike other revolutions. The unexpected moment attracted all attention to Syria, where I conducted field research through interviews with political and military elites in multiple cities, such as Azaz, Aleppo, Hama, Homs and Damascus. Thus, this piece aims to gain a better understanding of the post-Assad Syrian transition in terms of society, politics and security. These findings highlight a variety of dynamics, including security gaps, reconciliation initiatives, population movements and the important role played by external particularly Russia, in reshaping Syria's political and social landscape.

Türkiye only alternative energy supplier for Slovakia Experts
Türkiye only alternative energy supplier for Slovakia: Experts

Experts believe Türkiye could serve as a reliable and alternative energy supplier for Slovakia as the country seeks to secure its natural gas supply following the halt of gas flows from Ukraine.

Trump 2 0
Trump 2.0

Donald Trump has achieved a feat seen only once before in U.S. political history, becoming the second president to win two non-consecutive terms since the late 19th century.

Will this cease-fire make a difference in Gaza
Will this cease-fire make a difference in Gaza?

A three-phase cease-fire was reached between Hamas and Israel last weekend, brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the United States. The first phase began last Sunday when Israel released 90 Palestinians from prison in response to Hamas’ release of three Israelis. The Israeli forces ceased their genocidal attacks on the Gaza Strip and the Gazan people breathed a sigh of relief, at least temporarily. Israel promised to allow the entrance of 600 aid trucks daily and to reopen Gaza’s Rafah crossing with Egypt on the seventh day of the agreement and at the last phase, to withdraw its forces from Gaza.

Report
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SETA Security Radar Türkiye s Geopolitical Landscape in 2025
SETA Security Radar | Türkiye’s Geopolitical Landscape in 2025

This edition sheds light on Türkiye’s approach to mitigating economic constraints, strengthening defense exports, and leveraging diplomatic influence to shape the regional and global security order in 2025.

Israel s Attacks on Gaza Since October 7 2023 and
Israel’s Attacks on Gaza Since October 7, 2023 and International Law

The present Report examines Israel’s attacks from legal perspective depend ing on the relevant rules of international law. In this sense, the Report handles three main issues. The first is whether Israel’s attacks can be justified on the basis of the right to self-defense. The second concerns the violations of international humanitarian law and the related crimes resulting from the violations. Finally, the Report evaluates the ongoing judicial processes initiated against or related to Israel.

Analyzing Trends Threats and Adaptations Navigating Security in Flux Countering
Analyzing Trends, Threats and Adaptations | Navigating Security in Flux: Countering the PKK in 2023

Amid regional turmoil, Türkiye’s strategic security outlook remains focused on countering terrorism, particularly the PKK. Against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts in Syria and Iraq, Türkiye confronts the persistent threat of mass migration and instability spillover. In response, Türkiye has implemented measures to secure its borders, including the establishment of buffer zones within Iraqi territory to prevent terrorist infiltration.

One Year At War The Past Present and Future of
One Year At War | The Past, Present and Future of Sudan’s Civil War and Proposed Solutions

One year after the outbreak of the civil war on April 15, 2023, this report examines the origins of the crisis in Sudan, its cost and key actors, the policies and objectives of international powers in the country, and the steps and initiatives taken to resolve the conflict. It also considers the potential for a new Darfur crisis in the future and offers policy recommendations for resolving the current crisis.

SETA Security Radar Türkiye s Geopolitical Landscape in 2024
SETA Security Radar | Türkiye’s Geopolitical Landscape in 2024

In this new volume of SETA Security Radar, we analyze the main dynamics shaping Türkiye’s security and geopolitical landscape with references to the most significant foreign policy and security issues throughout 2023.

Remote Control Aerial Elimination of the PKK s Terrorist Leaders
Remote Control | Aerial Elimination of the PKK’s Terrorist Leaders and Operatives

Delving into the core of this study, we leverage data derived from two distinguished repositories—the Terrorism Analysis Platform and Türkiye’s Enemy Killed in Action Dataset—to compose an authoritative report. Our focus lies on the profound examination of the intricate effects of UAV deployment in counterterrorism endeavors, particularly pertaining to the PKK’s organizational structure, command hierarchy, recruitment of skilled human resources, access to essential material resources, and the dynamic tactical metamorphosis undergone by the terrorist organization. Through this rigorous analysis, we aim to shed illuminating light on the multifaceted role of UAVs and their profound impact on the protracted battle against terrorism.

Analysis
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The Point of No Return How the 2024 U S
The Point of No Return | How the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election Will Reshape Global Sustainability and Energy Policy

The election outcomes between former President Donald J. Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris represent divergent paths that will reshape domestic policies and international approaches to climate change, energy production, and sustainable development policymaking

Yahya Sinwar and the New Era in Hamas
Yahya Sinwar and the New Era in Hamas

This analysis begins by examining Hamas’s motivations behind electing Sinwar as the new leader and considers his potential to exert a Yasser Arafat-like influence in Palestinian politics, given his distinct personal traits and strong grassroots appeal

The Ankara Process Can the Somalia-Ethiopia Tension Be Resolved through
The Ankara Process: Can the Somalia-Ethiopia Tension Be Resolved through Türkiye’s Efforts?

The main disagreements between the two countries are historical, religious, border, strategic and political issues.

Crossing the Rubicon Consumption Costs of Artificial Intelligence and Environmental
Crossing the Rubicon | Consumption Costs of Artificial Intelligence and Environmental Security

This analysis delves into the intricate relationship between AI, its energy consumption, and environmental security. By examining current research and integrating new analytical insights, this analysis seeks to underscore the urgent need for sustainable AI development and the establishment of international regulatory frameworks to mitigate its environmental impact.

Historical Landmark in Türkiye-Iraq Relations and Opportunity for Strategic Partnership
Historical Landmark in Türkiye-Iraq Relations and Opportunity for Strategic Partnership

This study argues that the problems between Erbil and Baghdad, and their prolonged existence prevent Türkiye from deepening cooperation with Iraq in terms of security, water issues, and economic relations

Assessing Türkiye s Role in the Global Space Competition
Assessing Türkiye’s Role in the Global Space Competition

This analysis evaluates Türkiye’s national space program, its milestones, and strategic initiatives, like sending its first citizen to the International Space Station (ISS), within the context of the new space race.

Perspective
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The Future of AI Policies in the US And Implications
The Future of AI Policies in the US And Implications for Türkiye

What are Trump and Harris’ positions on AI? How might each of their policies influence the United States’ role in AI development and regulation on the international stage? How Should Türkiye Respond to Respective Policies?

Promise of the LLMs The Good the Bad and the
Promise of the LLMs: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

How can Large Language Models (LLMs) enhance diplomacy, international cooperation, and economic productivity? What are the potential risks and challenges associated with the deployment of LLMs in military and diplomatic decision-making? What legal and ethical considerations arise from the widespread use of LLMs, and how can these be addressed?

The Suspension of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in
The Suspension of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE)

What is the significance of the CFE? Which countries suspended or has withdrawn from the CFE? Why did Turkiye suspend the practice of the CFE? Can Turkiye start an armament program exceeding the existing limits of the CFE? What could be the impact of Turkiye’s suspension?

Artificial Intelligence in Counterterrorism Navigating the Intersection of Security Ethics
Artificial Intelligence in Counterterrorism Navigating the Intersection of Security, Ethics and Privacy

How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies be used effectively for counterterrorism efforts? How does the quality of data affect the effectiveness of AI in counterterrorism? What are the ethical and privacy considerations in using AI for counterterrorism?

Navigating the EU AI Act Exploring Challenges Amidst the Evolving
Navigating the EU AI Act: Exploring Challenges Amidst the Evolving Global Regulatory Landscape

What is the EU AI Act? What are the main challenges it may face? What is the impact of this regulation within the global regulatory landscape?

Habermas and Others The West s Intellectual World and Blindness
Habermas and Others | The West’s Intellectual World and Blindness Toward Palestine

What was the post-Oct. 7 stance of Western thinkers and intellectuals? Why does the Western intellectual world ignore Palestine? Why have thinkers, who believe the Palestinians are right and support them, become targets of ‘lynching’?

The Future of AI Policies in the US And Implications
Perspective

The Future of AI Policies in the US And Implications for Türkiye

What are Trump and Harris’ positions on AI? How might each of their policies influence the United States’ role in AI development and regulation on the international stage? How Should Türkiye Respond to Respective Policies?


September 2024

Focus
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The Spillover of Terror in the US New Terror Wave
The Spillover of Terror in the US: New Terror Wave After 9/11th

On September 11, 2001, the attack on the Twin Towers shattered the American public's sense of 'trust'. The American society, which until then had lived a trouble-free life between two oceans, realized that there was no country beyond the outreach of terrorism. American interventionism was materialized in Afghanistan and Iraq after the then-US President George W. Bush declaration of the Crusader War. It has led to the death or injury of millions, the destruction of cities, and the emergence of new types of instability due to ethnic and sectarian divisions.

Türkiye s Peace Diplomacy in the Horn of Africa
Türkiye’s Peace Diplomacy in the Horn of Africa

The Somalia-Ethiopia summit hosted by President Erdoğan in Ankararesulted in a declaration, emphasizing constructive partnership opportunities for peace and cooperation. One of the most critical aspects of the declaration was Ethiopia’s affirmation of its respect for Somalia's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Vision and Strategy in Türkiye's Fight against Terrorism and PKK
Vision and Strategy in Türkiye's Fight against Terrorism and PKK’s Response

Amid intense political discourse and debates on terrorism, it’s essential to reevaluate Türkiye’s approach to its fight against terrorism and terrorist threats. Such a review could help refine the current vision, address any gaps, and correct missteps to improve both efficiency and effectiveness. Recognizing that combating terrorism is a dynamic process, regular updates to vision and strategy are natural. However, updating should never imply compromising on resilience.

A Storm of Conflict Analyzing the Israel-Hezbollah Conflict Post-October 2023
A Storm of Conflict: Analyzing the Israel-Hezbollah Conflict Post-October 2023

On October 7, 2023, the Palestinian group Hamas launched a major attack on Israeli settlements near Gaza. This unexpected operation drew global attention and led to a series of responses from Israeli officials and their allies. Following this event, the Middle East experienced a significant escalation in regional conflicts, particularly involving Hezbollah, a Lebanese group with close ties to Iran.

Apple s Personalized Intelligence and Its Repercussions
Apple’s Personalized Intelligence and Its Repercussions

When Apple incorporated Siri into its systems in 2011, it was considered a milestone in Artificial Intelligence (AI) development. This achievement marked the culmination of extensive research and development in natural language processing (NLP) and voice recognition technologies, demonstrating significant advancements in making AI more accessible and user-friendly to everyday consumers.

Focus An Insight into Pakistan Election 2024
Focus: An Insight into Pakistan Election 2024

Pakistan held its highly anticipated 12th general elections on Feb. 8, 2024. The polls took place amid a highly schismatic atmosphere, political fluidity, intense economic turbulence, and pressing security concerns. Despite some extreme political repressions and the absence of a level playing field, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan stole the show by claiming 93 seats out of 265 contestable seats. It left behind seasoned, traditional political parties like Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with 75, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) with 54 and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (P) with just 17 seats in the National Assembly (NA). A simple majority in parliament necessitates a mandate of 169 seats, including 70 reserve seats, as per the strength of each party in the NA.

Q&A
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Q amp A Çağlayan Courthouse Attack
Q&A: Çağlayan Courthouse Attack

What happened? Who are the attackers? What was the goal of the attack? How is Türkiye combating DHKP-C? What does this mean for the future?

Q amp A Turkish Foreign Minister s Visit to Washington
Q&A: Turkish Foreign Minister’s Visit to Washington

What is the background and significance of the Turkish foreign minister’s visit to Washington? What are the differences and similarities between the two countries’ Ukraine policies? Will the U.S. sell F-16s to Türkiye? What is Türkiye’s position on Finland and Sweden’s NATO membership? What is Washington’s view on Türkiye’s engagement with the Syrian regime?

Q amp A Bayraktar AKINCI UCAV A New Period in
Q&A: Bayraktar AKINCI UCAV | A New Period in Unmanned Air Warfare

When did the journey of the Bayraktar AKINCI UCAV begin? What were the successes of Bayraktar AKINCI during its development process? What are the advanced and technical specifications of Bayraktar AKINCI? Which operational capabilities of Bayraktar AKINCI come to the fore? What kind of capability transformation will AKINCI introduce to the TAF?

5 Questions Political and Legal Meaning of U S President
5 Questions: Political and Legal Meaning of U.S. President Biden’s Statement on the So-called Armenian Genocide

What is the importance for the Armenians of the 'Armenian Genocide' allegations? What are the characteristics of the concept of genocide? Is U.S. President Biden’s decision to recognize the 'Armenian Genocide' lawful? Should Turkey continue to take the issue seriously? What is Turkey doing and what more should it do about the issue?

5 Questions COVID-19 Pandemic and Racist Accusations against the Turkish
5 Questions: COVID-19 Pandemic and Racist Accusations against the Turkish Community in Belgium

What is the overall COVID-19 breakdown in Belgium? How has the Turkish community become a scapegoat in the COVID-19 pandemic? What were the reactions against making the Turkish community a scapegoat? How did right-wing populism try to take advantage of the situation? What has been the attitude of the Turkish community in Belgium during the COVID-19 crisis?

5 Questions 2019 Escalation of the Kashmir Conflict
5 Questions: 2019 Escalation of the Kashmir Conflict

Why did tensions rise in Kashmir in February 2019? What happened on August 5 in Kashmir? What do Articles 35A and 370 mean to Kashmiris? What happened after the abrogation of Articles 35A and 370? Did the abrogation of Articles 35A and 370 lead to further integration or disintegration of Kashmir and India?

Experts Respond
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Experts Respond Unraveling the Daesh Assault on Santa Maria Church
Experts Respond: Unraveling the Daesh Assault on Santa Maria Church

On Jan. 28, an armed attack occurred at the Santa Maria Church in Istanbul’s Sarıyer district, resulting in the loss of one life. The Counterterrorism and Intelligence Branch of the Istanbul Police Department arrested two foreign suspected members of the Daesh terrorist organization. Some 34 individuals, also detained in connection with the attack, were brought before a magistrate for potential arrest. The Interior Ministry reported 1,046 operations against Daesh from June 1, 2023, to present. Why did Daesh – dormant since 2017 – once again target Türkiye? Is the assault on Santa Maria Church an isolated incident, or does it signify the manifestation of the organization's broader regional plans? How can we decipher the attack given the timing, method, target, and profile of the assailants? What is the status of counterterrorism operations against Daesh? Prominent experts have provided their assessments for our readers.

Experts Respond How will the deadly earthquakes impact Türkiye s
Experts Respond: How will the deadly earthquakes impact Türkiye’s foreign relations?

Southern Türkiye was jolted by twin earthquakes on February 6 that caused unprecedented devastation across an extremely vast area, impacting 11 provinces. Almost on par with the scale of the devastation, Türkiye has also received a huge amount of humanitarian aid from many countries with which Türkiye both has cordial and strained relations. In light of the considerable level of solidarity showcased by many countries, it is still unclear whether this atmosphere of solidarity and amicability will translate into tangible outcomes in the respective bilateral relations between Türkiye and these nations. Likewise, it is also unclear whether the solidarity displayed by countries with which Türkiye had tense relations until the earthquakes will cause a thaw in bilateral ties and lead to a new chapter in relations. We asked foreign policy experts to weigh in on these questions.

Experts Respond European Political Community Opportunities and Limitations
Experts Respond: European Political Community | Opportunities and Limitations

What is the purpose of the European Political Community? Is it a realistic proposal? If the Community is formed, how will the EU’s relations with other countries included in the Community be affected? Several experts presented their opinions about these questions for SETA.

Experts Respond The Upheaval in Iran The Protests Which Erupted
Experts Respond: The Upheaval in Iran | The Protests, Which Erupted Following Mahsa Amini’s Death in Detention, in Their Third Week

We asked the leading Iran experts in Turkey and around the world to analyze the reasons behind the protests in Iran, the demands of the protestors, the Iranian administration’s attitude, the likely future of the protests and their impact on Iran. We present the assessments of those experts below.

Experts Respond Political Tensions in Iraq Analyzing the Storming of
Experts Respond: Political Tensions in Iraq | Analyzing the Storming of the Parliament and Its Impact

We reached out to several experts for more on how to understand the developments in Iraq and what possible future scenarios may be derived from the current situation.

Experts Respond Political Crisis in Pakistan The Reasons behind the
Experts Respond: Political Crisis in Pakistan | The Reasons behind the Turmoil and Its Implications

The political situation in Pakistan is still not stable, and a new government is expected to be formed soon. However, at this point, it is important to understand the reasons that led to this turmoil and what the removal of Khan from office means for Pakistan. Within this framework, several experts from Turkey and Pakistan have briefly analyzed the events and their implications, not only for Pakistan but for the region and the world as well.

Videos Comment
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Will Türkiye Broaden Its Air Strikes in Northern Iraq Following

Will Türkiye Broaden Its Air Strikes in Northern Iraq Following the Terrorist Attack in Ankara?

Bilgehan Ozturk says cross-border strikes were already planned but the timing of operations are key for the national interests of Türkiye.

The Importance of NATO Summit and Türkiye s Relations with

The Importance of NATO Summit and Türkiye’s Relations with the West

The Assistant Editor of Insight Turkey and Researcher of SETA Foundation, Gloria Shkurti Özdemir attended virtually to Andy Boyns’s news program in A News, to clear the...

U S Military Assistance The Cases of Afghanistan and Ukraine

U.S.’ Military Assistance: The Cases of Afghanistan and Ukraine

The Assistant Editor of Insight Turkey and Researcher of SETA Foundation, Gloria Shkurti Özdemir, attended Strait Talk program which appears in the TRT World screen, to talk...

A Regional Cooperation with Turkey Included Would Bring Stability in

A Regional Cooperation with Turkey Included Would Bring Stability in the Eastern Mediterranean

SETA’s energy researcher, Gloria Shkurti Özdemir, gave an interview for A News regarding the latest development in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Podcast
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Podcast Understanding the Dynamics of the Gulf Politics

Podcast: Understanding the Dynamics of the Gulf Politics

Understanding the Dynamics of the Gulf Politics

Podcast Russia-Ukraine War A Two-Year Review

Podcast: Russia-Ukraine War | A Two-Year Review

Russia-Ukraine War | A Two-Year Review

Podcast The Climate Change COP28 and Beyond

Podcast: The Climate Change | COP28 and Beyond

The Climate Change | COP28 and Beyond

Podcast Türkiye-Greece Summit Sailing Through Positive Agenda

Podcast: Türkiye-Greece Summit | Sailing Through Positive Agenda

Türkiye-Greece Summit | Sailing Through Positive Agenda

Book
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Artificial Intelligence Arms Dynamics The Case of the U S

Artificial Intelligence Arms Dynamics | The Case of the U.S. and...

Al-Aqsa Flood A Turning Point in Middle Eastern Politics

Al-Aqsa Flood | A Turning Point in Middle Eastern Politics

Türkiye's Foreign Policy A Century of Strategic Transformation

Türkiye's Foreign Policy | A Century of Strategic Transformation

Türkiye s Vision for Its New Century

Türkiye’s Vision for Its New Century