Turkish Policy Quarterly Vol 8, No. 1 (Spring 2009)
"Between Europe and Eurasia: The Search for New Paradigms"
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Nigar Göksel From the desk of the editor |
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Marc Perrin de Brichambaut The author offers an overview of the key trends in the evolution of European security at three levels – pan-European, transatlantic and the EU – over three distinct periods since the end of the Cold War. At the eve of a new phase of pan-European discussions, the Russian proposal with respect to pan-European security is considered. The author concludes by stating that it is the question of Russia's place in the European family that is at stake at the current stage. The scope and duration of renewed pan-European work will depend on the objective that Russia itself sets for its future. TPQ-article: "NATO AT 60: Time for a New Strategic Concept" |
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Cristian Diaconescu Offering an overview of the various frameworks for cooperation in the wider Black Sea, the author explains that Romania aims to bring the EU and the region closer together and argues that Turkey and Romania can play an important role in the future of the region. Touching upon the shared values versus the differing interests between the EU and Russia, the author claims that zero sum games are games of the past. He emphasizes that the EU cannot alone revamp its neighborhood, but also points out that no other state has the ability to play a determinant role in the region on its own terms either. TPQ-article: "The EU gate to Black Sea regional cooperation – A Romanian-Turkish common ground" |
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Ömer Cihad Vardan Turkey's integration with Europe is not a painless process. The reluctance of the important EU politicians to make concessions on central issues concerning the Turkish accession process is the basic problem. However, the Turkish government and people need to become more aware of the fact that in spite of all these difficulties, the Turkish accession process has been valuable as a lever for democratization in Turkey. TPQ-article: "Turkey-EU relations and democracy in Turkey: Problems and prospects" |
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Osman Bengür Turkey can justifiably condemn the policies and actions of previous regimes or governments while still asserting pride in its history, the author argues. He subsequently points out that confronting its own history with honesty will only strengthen Turkey domestically and internationally. Among other suggestions, the author calls for Turkey to suspend all its paid lobbying activities with respect to congressional resolutions about 1915 and instead dedicate resources to examine the events of 1915 authoritatively, independently, and openly. TPQ-article: "Turkey's image and the Armenian question" |
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Tigran Mkrtchyan and Vahram Petrosyan The article discusses the failing history of Transcaucasia (South Caucasus) integration and the reasons for its continued failures. Lack of positive experience in integration, constant rivalry between the states of the region and among the great powers around the wider region and extra-regional powers, absence of common identity, and contrary security perceptions by the regional players have all played a part in these failures. Conflicts between countries in this region or with ethnic enclaves, as well as tensions with bigger neighbors have hindered regional integration processes. In this light, the attempts for normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations have the potential to be an essential factor for future successful regional integration. That failing, any integration hopes in Transcaucasia would be delayed for long. TPQ-article: "Integration of Transcaucasia: Continued failure and hope" |
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Adam Balcer Analyzing multiple dimensions of the relationship, the author argues that contrary to some experts' predictions, a strategic partnership between Turkey and Russia is not likely to develop in the near future. The author concludes that: the key question will be how Russia will react to the reduction of its influence in the post-Soviet area. It is very likely to respond by continuing with the current aggressive stance (interference with internal affairs of post-Soviet countries and military and economic conflicts), which will inevitably collide with the interests of Turkey. In effect, Ankara will be forced to revise its previous relatively "soft" policy towards Moscow. TPQ-article: "The future of Turkish-Russian relations: A strategic perspective" |
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Ali Ergur The author takes up two events, which seem to be practically absent in the minds of a large portion of Turkish society to analyze intentional or unintentional omissions in the construction of national identity. One of the case studies the author examines to shed light on the social memory in Turks is the tragic 6-7 September 1955 events when the Greek minority in Istanbul (The Rum's) and their property was attacked. The other case study is on discourse following the disastrous sinking of a Turkish Submarine in April 1953. TPQ-article: "Shame and pride in Turkish collective memory" |
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E. Fuat Keyman In Turkey there is currently a lack of trust and an increasing feeling of ambiguity and insecurity about the future of Turkey-EU relations. However, this article argues, EU-full membership should be the main axis of Turkish foreign policy. With Turkey-EU relations as the main axis, Turkey can play the roles expected of it most realistically and successfully – such as offering an alternative to the clash of civilization thesis. And most importantly the EU anchor will enable Turkey to consolidate its democracy and democratize its modernity, which, in fact, constitute a determining benchmark to make proactive foreign policy sustainable. TPQ-article: "Turkish foreign policy in a globalizing world" |
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