Turkey has economically benefited so far from its neutral status on the invasion of Ukraine, while every other NATO country and several other nations severely cut down their relations with Russia. Given that Turkey has shied away from taking a stand against Russia and imposing sanctions, many Russians ponder Turkey as a way to circumvent Western sanctions.

Despite being a NATO member and a country to lose much when the northern Black Sea falls under Russian domination, Turkey not only did not put any unilateral sanctions against Russia but also publicly announced that it would welcome the Russian oligarchs and their assets in the country, thus creating a loophole for Russians.

With Israel and Turkey starting a new détente, the visit of Israeli President Herzog to Turkey on March 9 can mark a significant change in Turkish-Israeli relations. The political leadership of Israel and Turkey did not see eye to eye with each other since 2010, and it is hard to disregard the mistrust issue that has affected the bilateral relations.

24 Şubat Perşembe sabahından bu yana Rus ordusunun Ukrayna’da başlattığı saldırı, işgal veya savaş olarak tanımlanabilecek gelişmeler dünya gündeminde ilk sırada yer almakta. Bu çerçevede, can kayıpları yaşandığına, Ukrayna’daki stratejik bazı hedeflerin Rus kuvvetlerince kontrol altına alındığına, silahlı çatışmaların Ukrayna’nın çok geniş bir kesiminde vuku bulmakta olduğuna ve saldırıların yer yer sivil halk ve objelere de zarar verdiğine şahit oluyoruz.

Erdoğan’s trips to Sub-Saharan Africa are not only about bilateral relations and opportunities for improving Turkey’s economic footprint in the countries of the region. Equally if not more significant, these visits to Africa are carefully planned to boost Erdoğan’s image among his supporters that Turkey is a global actor competing with the foreign powers and Erdoğan is a powerful and well-respected leader in the world.

Turkish President Erdoğan travelled to the United Arab Emirates on February 14, hoping to develop the momentum Turkey has captured with the UAE. Erdoğan has been given a warm and friendly welcome after touching down in Abu Dhabi.

In the past year, through our various publications, analyses and podcasts, instituDE has strived to shed light on Turkey; its domestic politics, economy, foreign policy and human rights situation. We have worked to provide valuable information and comments on Turkey for the foreign observers as well as the Turkish public. We put effort into raising awareness on the human rights violations and authoritarian practices in Turkey.