Opinions - Turkey

Ankara Expects the Iranian Regime to Survive but Risks for Turkey Persist

Ankara Expects the Iranian Regime to Survive but Risks for Turkey Persist

by Mustafa Enes Esen, published on 5 March 2026
The Turkish government views the potential collapse of the Iranian regime as a harbinger of regional instability. Nonetheless, Ankara remains convinced that the Iranian regime will survive this ordeal, even after the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
Three Phases of Turkish-American Relations in Syria

Three Phases of Turkish-American Relations in Syria

by Haşim Tekineş, published on 20 February 2026
The Syrian civil war has had a major impact on relations between Turkey and the United States. Syria has created both areas of cooperation and sources of tension between the two countries. As interests and the regional balance of power shifted, the nature of the relationship also changed.
Why Turkey Chooses Continuity Over Change in Iran

Why Turkey Chooses Continuity Over Change in Iran

by Mustafa Enes Esen, published on 6 February 2026
Ankara has repeatedly made clear that it opposes a military intervention against Iran. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated again on February 5: “We are doing everything to prevent these tensions between the United States and Iran from driving the region into a new conflict and chaos. We clearly expressed our opposition to a military intervention in Iran.” To this end, the Turkish government has also formed a sort of ad hoc alignment with regional countries to lobby the Trump administration against war.
What the SDF’s Miscalculations Meant for Turkey and Syria

What the SDF’s Miscalculations Meant for Turkey and Syria

by Mustafa Enes Esen, published on 19 January 2026
The ceasefire signed on January 18 between Damascus and the SDF was not the product of prolonged bargaining or mutual compromise. It was imposed by developments on the ground that had already stripped the SDF of its bargaining power. As such, the ceasefire agreement formalizes the collapse of the March 10 deal and largely marks the end of the SDF’s ability to shape outcomes in Syria.
An Iranian Collapse Would Pose Security Risks for Azerbaijan

An Iranian Collapse Would Pose Security Risks for Azerbaijan

by Rufat Ahmadzada, published on 14 January 2026
The protests in Iran are continuing to escalate. What started as a protest by traders against the fall in the value of the local currency, rising prices, economic mismanagement and worsening economic conditions in the country has quickly transformed into a growing movement for political change. This is evident from the chants of protestors and is threatening the legitimacy of the ruling clerical regime.
The Role of Ideas in Turkey's Syria Policy: Disillusionment with Ideology or Transformation?

The Role of Ideas in Turkey's Syria Policy: Disillusionment with Ideology or Transformation?

by Haşim Tekineş, published on 7 January 2026
Turkey’s Syria policy is often portrayed as a case of foreign policy failure driven by ideology. According to this view, Ankara abandoned realism in favor of Islamist enthusiasm during the Arab Spring and later returned to pragmatism after paying significant political and strategic costs. While this narrative highlights an important shift, it relies on a simplified understanding of the relationship between ideas and foreign policy.

Reports - Turkey

TURKEY'S GROWING ROLE IN GLOBAL COCAINE TRAFFICKING

TURKEY'S GROWING ROLE IN GLOBAL COCAINE TRAFFICKING

by Dr. İmdat Öner, Halil Çavuş, Ömer Güler and Mustafa Enes Esen, published on 17 September 2024
This report focuses on Turkey's prominence as an emerging market for cocaine trafficking and organized crime in the last decade. Cocaine production in Latin America has dramatically increased since 2013, and Turkey’s status as an emerging market has attracted the attention of Latin American government officials on the front lines of the cocaine trade.
WEAPONIZING FINANCIAL SYSTEMS: ERDOĞAN'S TRANSNATIONAL REPRESSION TO MUZZLE DISSIDENTS ABROAD

WEAPONIZING FINANCIAL SYSTEMS: ERDOĞAN'S TRANSNATIONAL REPRESSION TO MUZZLE DISSIDENTS ABROAD

by Dr. Yasir Gökçe, Mayra Russo and Sara Kezia Heinonen, published on 29 August 2024
This report sets out to provide a comprehensive analysis of the tactics employed by the Erdoğan administration to achieve repressive goals abroad and the vulnerabilities and how they are enabled by the AML and CFT regulation in place.
ENFORCED DISAPPEARANCES BY THE ERDOGAN GOVERNMENT

ENFORCED DISAPPEARANCES BY THE ERDOGAN GOVERNMENT

by instituDE, published in June 2024
This submission highlights the ongoing systematic actions and omissions by Turkish authorities against the so-called members of the Gulen Group, framed as crimes against humanity. It demonstrates the violations of recommendations that even Türkiye has supported.
UNVEILING THE BRUTAL REALITY: SYSTEMATIC TORTURE OF FORMER DIPLOMATS

UNVEILING THE BRUTAL REALITY: SYSTEMATIC TORTURE OF FORMER DIPLOMATS

by instituDE, published on May 2024
This report offers an update to the United Nations Committee against Torture (the Committee) regarding the obstacles to implementing the Convention against Torture (the Convention) in Turkey. As a coalition formed by a collective of former Turkish diplomats, our focus is on the systematic torture faced by former diplomats detained at Ankara Police Headquarters. We delve into the Turkish context and present insights from our organization.
SUCCESSION: THE QUESTION OF POWER TRANSITION IN ERDOGAN’S TURKEY

SUCCESSION: THE QUESTION OF POWER TRANSITION IN ERDOGAN’S TURKEY

by Haşim Tekineş, published on 6 December 2023
His electoral victory in May 2023 gave President Erdoğan five more years to further consolidate his power, eviscerate institutions, fill the bureaucracy with yes-men and expand his corruption network. This, of course, raises questions about the Turkish political system’s chances of recovery, the prospects for democratization after Erdogan and the regime’s tolerance for his demise.
PERSECUTORY CONFISCATION AMOUNTING TO CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY: CASE OF THE GÜLEN GROUP

PERSECUTORY CONFISCATION AMOUNTING TO CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY: CASE OF THE GÜLEN GROUP

by Yasir Gökçe, Hakan Kaplankaya, Harun Reşit Halisoğlu and Mehmet Bozkaya, published on 6 November 2023
This report aims to reveal and analyze the criminal acts and/or omissions of the Turkish authorities against individuals alleged to be affiliated with, connected to, or members of the Gülen Group in the context of violations of the right to property as crimes against humanity.

Videos - Turkey

Çin Merkezli Dünyada Türkiye

September 5, 2025
by Haşim Tekineş, published on 5 September 2025
Çin Şanghay Zirvesi'nde hangi mesajları verdi? Trump'ın politikalarının bu mesajlar üzerinde etkisi ne? Türkiye Çin ile olan ilişkilerınde nasıl bir denge takip ediyor?

Ankara Suriye'de Vites mi Yükseltiyor?

August 28, 2025
by Haşim Tekineş, published on 28 August 2025
Türkiye Suriye'deki açmazdan nasıl kurtulacak. Alternatif politika arayışları neler? Türkiye İsrail'e karşı daha cesur politikalar izleyebilir mi? İsrail bir NATO ülkesini vurmaya cesaret edebilir mi?

Türkiye'nin Rejimi ve Uluslararası Dengeler

July 6, 2025
by Haşim Tekineş, published on 6 July 2025
Türkiye'de rejim mi değişiyor? İmamoğlu'nun tutukluluğu ve CHP'li belediyeler üzerinde artan baskı ne anlama geliyor? Uluslararası dengeler Erdoğan'a içeride baskıyı artırma imkanı veriyor.

Israel vs. Iran: What It Means for Turkey

June 26, 2025
by Haşim Tekineş, published on 26 June 2025
In this in-depth analysis, we explore how Turkey is responding to the Israel–Iran war and what it means for Ankara’s security, its role in the Middle East, and its delicate balance between its alliances and rivalries. From Turkey’s historical neutrality in regional conflicts to its growing tensions with both Israel and Iran, this video takes a closer look at the biggest geopolitical shift in the Middle East — and how it could redefine Turkey’s future.

How Turkey Is Expanding Its Power in Africa!

May 22, 2025
by Haşim Tekineş, published on 22 May 2025
In this video, we uncover the dramatic transformation of Turkey’s Africa policy — from humanitarian aid to drone diplomacy, arms sales, and military bases. As Western powers pull back, Turkey is stepping in to fill the vacuum, building influence from the Horn of Africa to the Sahel.

Erdoğan'ın Dış Politikada İkinci Baharı!

May 14, 2025
by Haşim Tekineş, published on 14 May 2025
Son dönemde Türk dış politikasında gözle görülür bir olumlu ivme yaşanıyor! Esad'ın düşmesi, Avrupa güvenlik mimarisindeki değişimler, Trump'ın etkisi ve Ukrayna krizi gibi küresel gelişmeler, Türkiye'nin dış politikada yeni bir sayfa açtığını gösteriyor.