Search

Begin New Search Political Geography Middle East Publication Year within 1 Year

351. Bargaining for Justice: Ukraine, Gaza, and the Ethics of Conflict Termination

Author:
C. Anthony Pfaff
Publication Date:
09-2024
Content Type:
Book
Institution:
The Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College
Abstract:
As wars in Ukraine and Gaza continue with little end in sight, the sense of urgency to determine how they should end is increasing, given how the wars could end. A just war aims to establish a better state of peace, but a better state of peace may not always be achievable, and even when it is achievable, it may not be good enough. When that is the case, actors must determine on what terms to settle, given what they think they can achieve based on relative capabilities and cost tolerances. The resulting “maximin” solution, a practical approach where actors maximize the minimum they can achieve, provides a range of solutions. But taking only these factors into account is not likely to produce an enduring or more perfect peace. To get to a “good enough” state of peace, justice concerns—in this case framed by the just-war tradition—play a role. By impacting what counts as costs and benefits and placing boundaries on what actors should accept independently of those costs and benefits, the just-war tradition can help actors construct more durable settlements. The experiences in Ukraine and Gaza further illustrate gaps in the just-war tradition, which this book also addresses.
Topic:
Conflict Resolution, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), Russia-Ukraine War, Just War, and 2023 Gaza War
Political Geography:
Europe, Ukraine, Middle East, Palestine, and Gaza

352. Children’s rights, Counter-terrorism Legislation and Racialized Security Goals

Author:
Danila Genovese
Publication Date:
05-2024
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Review of Human Rights
Institution:
Society of Social Science Academics (SSSA)
Abstract:
After the territorial defeat of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) thousands of women and children who were associated with ISIS have been interned and detained in various camps in northeast Syria. The present article analyses the story of Ms Shamima Begum, a British teenager who, in 2015, was groomed and trafficked to Syria to marry an ISIS fighter and the case of thousands of foreign children, who are currently detained indefinitely, for their perceived links with the terrorist organisation. The investigation will be carried through the lens of international law by exploring whether the tenets of children’s and human rights have been side-lined in favour of short- term security concerns, possibly buoyed by practices of discrimination.
Topic:
Human Rights, Terrorism, Children, Counter-terrorism, Islamic State, Islamophobia, Syrian War, Repatriation, and Shamima Begum
Political Geography:
Middle East and Syria

353. Turkey’s “Green” Transformation and the CBAM: Challenges and Opportunities

Author:
Dimitris Tsarouhas
Publication Date:
07-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP)
Abstract:
The relationship between the EU and Turkey with regard to the green transition is of high importance, given the Customs Union and the close trade and business relations between the two sides. Some of the measures adopted by the European Union, and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in particular, constitute an important empirical case study to assess the adaptability of the Turkish economy to new challenges, and the compatibility of the EU and Turkish visions of the green transition more generally. As a major EU trade partner and a carbon-intensive economy, Turkey is expected to face rising costs because of the implementation of the mechanism. Although the immediate effects of the CBAM appear concentrated in specific sectors, such as aluminum, iron, and steel, the wider repercussions of the new policy could adversely affect growth and employment in the medium to long run. On the other hand, Turkey maintains a set of comparative advantages that can both minimize the impact of CBAM as well as prepare the country’s economy for a set of reforms that will make its economic model sustainable in the long run. To do so effectively, however, Turkey will need to recalibrate relations with the EU and raise the salience of the issue in the domestic political sphere. For the time being, the prospects of doing so remain minimal.
Topic:
Climate Change, European Union, Trade, Carbon Emissions, and Green Economy
Political Geography:
Turkey and Middle East

354. Egyptian-Turkish Relations on a Roller Coaster: Implications for the Eastern Mediterranean

Author:
Ioannis N. Grigoriadis and Electra Nisidou
Publication Date:
10-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP)
Abstract:
This policy paper delves into the volatile relationship between Egypt and Turkey, examining its profound implications for the Eastern Mediterranean. Since 2020, Egyptian-Turkish relations have moved cautiously towards rapprochement following a period of intense tension. Central to this relationship is the Libyan conflict, in which both states hold substantial stakes. This study explores the current political forces driving this tentative reconciliation, as well as the ramifications of these developments for the Eastern Mediterranean. The Libyan civil war emerged as a proxy conflict between Egypt and Turkey; however, both states have since aligned their positions on the Gaza crisis, reflecting a major shift in their diplomatic approach. The significance of Libya’s oil reserves for both states cannot be overstated, as they have prompted a renewed sense of cooperation after a decade of rivalry. Despite their significant ideological differences, Egypt and Turkey have ultimately recognized the necessity of strengthening their ties across nearly all areas, including trade and military cooperation. After a decade of intense conflict shaped by competing interests and military interventions in Libya, Egypt and Turkey are now contemplating a rapprochement with a view to addressing common security and economic interests. If it signals Turkey’s wish to engage with all the countries in the region based on international norms, a rapprochement between Egypt and Turkey could prove to be a critical factor for the achievement of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. An opportunity is emerging for Greece to promote regional cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean
Topic:
Oil, Regional Cooperation, Bilateral Relations, Military Intervention, and Proxy War
Political Geography:
Turkey, Middle East, Greece, Egypt, and Eastern Mediterranean

355. Turkey’s 2024 Local Elections: Potential Effects on Domestic and Foreign Policy

Author:
Ahmet Erdi Öztürk
Publication Date:
03-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP)
Abstract:
While local elections may not be as crucial as general elections, one can argue that these upcoming local elections hold an exceptionally important position for both Turkey and its region—indeed, even for the international system. It should be remembered that President Erdoğan has control over the state apparatus, which gives him bargaining chips with which to negotiate with the various political actors. While Erdoğan has the power to use state resources to negotiate with various actors who could potentially take votes from İmamoğlu or bring votes to Kurum, İmamoğlu brings to the table a possible alternative to Erdoğan’s hegemony in Turkey’s political arena (a hegemony which has been tarnished in many areas, particularly the economy, in recent years), along with his youth and his potential to appeal to various segments of society. Ekrem İmamoğlu’s re-election will not directly impact Turkey’s foreign policy, but it will influence the stance international power centres adopt towards Turkey. İmamoğlu will once again attract the attention of many Western power centres, particularly in the European Union. Considering Turkey’s significant role as a producer and consumer in the global defence industry, we can expect multinational corporations as well as countries to show an increased interest in İmamoğlu. It is a statement of fact to say that the results of the local elections in Istanbul could be a milestone for Turkish politics. If İmamoğlu emerges victorious in Istanbul on the evening of March 31, which appears likely at the moment, the local elections will mark the beginning of a marathon general election campaign. In this context, we can say that we are on the verge of re-entering the İmamoğlu vs Erdoğan period, which was interrupted during the 2023 elections.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Elections, and International System
Political Geography:
Turkey and Middle East

356. Supporting Safer Digital Spaces: MENA Region Highlights

Author:
Nadia Al-Sakkaf and Natasha Chhabra
Publication Date:
09-2024
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
Abstract:
Digital technologies are being used to inflict significant harm online, known as technology-facilitated violence. In particular, harm affects certain groups based on their gender, which is known as technology-facilitated gender-based violence. This modern form of violence perpetuates inequality and has significant impacts on its targets, including silencing the voices of women and other gender minorities online. Supporting a Safer Internet is a multi-year project led by the Centre for International Governance Innovation, with support from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and Ipsos. As part of the project, an international survey collected data from 18,149 people of all genders in 18 countries. Participants in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region were not asked to report their sexual orientation or gender identity due to safety and legal limitations in those countries. For this reason, this version of the Highlights report has been developed with a specific focus on the data gathered from participants in those countries. Qualitative and contextual data from the SecDev Foundation has been utilized in this report to complement and provide a deeper understanding of the statistical data derived from this project. Recommendations from the MENA region agree with the Ipsos global survey recommendations for governments, technology companies, civil society organizations and researchers.
Topic:
Science and Technology, Inequality, Gender, Digital Platforms, and Digital Governance
Political Geography:
Middle East and North Africa

357. Relations Between Russia and Türkiye in The Context of The Syrian Conflict: From Edge of the War to Strategic Cooperation

Author:
Cenk Özatıcı and Polat Üründül
Publication Date:
07-2024
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
The Rest: Journal of Politics and Development
Institution:
Centre for Strategic Research and Analysis (CESRAN)
Abstract:
This article analyses the changing dynamics in Turkish-Russian relations during the Syrian civil war. The Syrian civil war has had a significant impact on relations between Türkiye and Russia. Initially, at odds over Türkiye’s support for Syrian opposition forces and Russia’s support for the Assad regime, tensions peaked when the Turks shot down a Russian warplane. This paper argues that Türkiye’s security concerns, including threats from the Syrian regime and the PYD and Russia’s desire to remove obstacles to its national interests in Syria, have led to strategic cooperation between the two countries. Russia’s pragmatic approach to Türkiye’s security needs and its military dominance in Syria encouraged Türkiye to cooperate with the Russians. This cooperation, evident in projects such as the Astana process and arms deals, was also seen as an opportunity by Russia to weaken NATO and strengthen the Assad regime.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Bilateral Relations, Military Intervention, Syrian War, and Strategic Cooperation
Political Geography:
Russia, Turkey, Middle East, and Syria

358. American Ambassadors Review: Spring 2024 (Full Issue)

Author:
Peter Pham, Michael Battle, Morse Tan, Michael DeSombre, and Richard Holwill
Publication Date:
07-2024
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
The Ambassadors Review
Institution:
The Ambassadors Review
Abstract:
Understanding China’s Middle East Marathon (Ambassador Peter Pham); BRICS and the Contest for Shaping Global Public Opinion (Ambassador Michael Battle); A Journey for Justice (Ambassador Morse Tan); Balkans Mission Report; Managing Relationships and Perceptions of Leverage (Ambassador Michael DeSombre); Climate and the Migration Crisis (Ambassador Richard Holwill)
Topic:
Climate Change, Diplomacy, Migration, Public Opinion, and BRICS
Political Geography:
China, Middle East, Asia, and Balkans

359. Palestinian Walks: Notes on a Vanishing Landscape with Raja Shehadeh

Author:
Raja Shehadeh
Publication Date:
09-2024
Content Type:
Video
Institution:
Center for Security, Race and Rights (CSRR), Rutgers University School of Law
Abstract:
Palestinian attorney Raja Shehadeh provides a legal and historical examination of Israel’s use of spurious legal ploys to acquire Palestinian land in the West Bank and how all this relates to Israel’s colonial pursuits.
Topic:
History, Law, Colonialism, Settler Colonialism, and Land
Political Geography:
Middle East, Israel, Palestine, and West Bank

360. Muslims of the Heartland with Edward Curtis IV (Episode 17)

Author:
Edward IV Curtis
Publication Date:
09-2024
Content Type:
Video
Institution:
Center for Security, Race and Rights (CSRR), Rutgers University School of Law
Abstract:
What legal and extra-legal challenges did Ottoman Syrian Muslim immigrants face when they immigrated to the American Midwest before World War I? What opportunities did they have? Join our host Sahar Aziz (https://saharazizlaw.com/) in her discussion with Professor Edward Curtis (https://edward-curtis.com/biography/) to learn how these Midwesterners built their communal power, creating a life that was American, Arab, and Muslim all at the same time.
Topic:
History, Immigration, and Muslims
Political Geography:
Middle East, North America, United States of America, and Ottoman Empire