Obama and Change -But How?

Obama and Change -But How?

Author(s): Mehmet Yegin / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2009

Barack Obama is officially the President of the United States. For nearly, two months not only the US, but also the world discussed his election, his team, and the change he would bring to the White House. After eight years of Republican control, the West Wing passed to the hands of Democrats again. The George W. Bush administration lately condemned for all the evil faced by Americans and the World has been replaced with a young, vigorous administration associated with the banners of change and hope. Nevertheless, Obama inherited the economic recession, Iraq failure, rising tension with Iran and Russia, and rising anti-Americanism. Change will take place, yet its extent is unknown.

The 15 October 2008 Presidential Election: The Consolidation of Ilham Aliyev's Power in Azerbaijan

The 15 October 2008 Presidential Election: The Consolidation of Ilham Aliyev's Power in Azerbaijan

Author(s): M. Turgut Demirtepe / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2009

Keywords: Elections; Government; Opposition; Democratization; Azerbaijan

The presidential election held on October 15, 2008 marked a crucial phase in the consolidation of the semi-authoritarian regime in Azerbaijan. Azeri politics has long suffered from the authoritarian tendencies of the government. Due in part to the boycott of the major opposition parties, the incumbent president, Ilham Aliyev, emerged from the election even stronger. The election was uncompetitive and the result was expectable. However, high voter turnout indicates the weakness of opposition to mobilize the voters not to participate in the elections. The election outcome can be clearly seen as an approval of the policies of Ilham Aliyev, but it also represents the opposition’s inability to be a significant force in the Azeri political landscape. Yet, the president will face thorny problems in his second term still waiting to be resolved.

Revisiting “Sovereign” Tatarstan

Revisiting “Sovereign” Tatarstan

Author(s): Matthew Derrick / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2009

Keywords: Sovereignty; Tatarstan; Russia; Autonomy; Territoriality

With the recent independence claims in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, it is increasingly important to reconsider “parade of sovereignties” that threatened the territorial integrity of Russia in the final decade of the twentieth century. This article critically reevaluates Tatarstan’s sovereignty campaign that took place in the 1990s. The justification discourses employed by Tatarstan in its drive for sovereignty in the late perestroika and early post-Soviet eras are analyzed. The republic’s campaign is placed within a broader discussion on sovereignty, with the concept being addressed at the sub-state, state, and international scales. It is argued that, although Tatarstan indeed achieved elements of de jure and de facto sovereignty, the republic never really attained sovereignty as it is generally understood. However, although Tatarstan was never sovereign, it did achieve a high degree of territorial autonomy, which permitted the republic an unprecedented amount of independence in political, economic, and cultural spheres.

The PKK Terrorist Organization Historical Process and Analysis of The March 28 Diyarbakir Events

The PKK Terrorist Organization Historical Process and Analysis of The March 28 Diyarbakir Events

Author(s): İhsan Bal / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2009

The PKK is a Marxist and ethnic segregation-orientated terrorist organization that is abusing religious motifs as well as has contradictions within its activities. Though on one hand they have frequently talked about human rights, on the other hand they have committed the most brutal murders. An analysis of the historical process is considerably significant to comprehend the current status of the PKK. In this context, the Diyarbakir events are key in explaining which methods are efficient in combating terrorism. Since 1984, the PKK, which has adopted strategies like intensified terrorism and guerilla maneuvers, was not successful in creating chaos or controversies in society. The PKK looked forward to taking advantage of the Diyarbakir events; however, security forces were successful in preventing the terrorist organization with a successful crisis management by employing an inclusive power strategy and avoiding the excessive use of power. In this article, PKK strategies will be scrutinized in the consideration of particular periods and the importance of using soft power within the framework of Diyarbakir events will be highlighted.

Predicaments and Prospects in Uzbek Islamism: A Critical Comparison with The Turkish Case

Predicaments and Prospects in Uzbek Islamism: A Critical Comparison with The Turkish Case

Author(s): İhsan Yılmaz / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2009

Keywords: Uzbekistan; Islamism; Turkey; Radicalism; Central Asia

Uzbekistan is a very crucial country in Central Asia with regards to threats challenging the region’s stability. Any political and social change in Uzbekistan will have region-wide ramifications. This study endeavours to contribute to the current literature in terms of discussing the predicaments and prospects of the Uzbek Islamism by critically comparing it with the Turkish case with a special emphasis on the normative frameworks of the actors. Islams in Turkish and Uzbek contexts have several common points. These similarities are not only in the sense of theoretical orthodox Islams which are indeed identical but also in terms of folk Islams and the states’ official Islams. Furthermore, both countries had experienced periods of official antagonism toward Islamic activism, especially its civil manifestations. Thus, this study endeavours to analyse if and to what extent Turkish Islamism’s transformation could also be experienced in the Uzbek context and under what conditions.

The Gaza Tragedy: Are Human Rights An 'Export Material' for the EU?

The Gaza Tragedy: Are Human Rights An 'Export Material' for the EU?

Author(s): Mehmet Özcan / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2009

The human rights policies of the EU have always been criticized severely. Many scholars blame the EU for using the concept of human rights as ‘export material’, and for developing contradicting attitudes at different places as well as at different times. It is argued that the EU has used the human rights conditionality pragmatically while establishing relations with the rest of the world at the international fora. From this point of view, the latest tragedy, which we witness in Gaza nowadays, has turned out to be a litmus paper for the sincerity of the EU’s human rights policies. It can be argued that all of the EC legislation is based on two basic pillars of proportionality and subsidiarity. While taking any kind of legal action, the EU first takes these concepts into consideration. Regarding the Gaza tragedy, however, it is the proportionality principle that the Israeli tanks tramped over. Yet, the EU’s reaction to this violation needs to be examined in depth.

The Changing Policy of the European Union Towards Free Trade Agreements and Its Effects on Turkish Foreign Trade: A Political Economy Perspective

The Changing Policy of the European Union Towards Free Trade Agreements and Its Effects on Turkish Foreign Trade: A Political Economy Perspective

Author(s): Mustafa Kutlay / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2009

Keywords: Multilateralism; Bilateralism; FTAs; EU Trade Policy; EU-Turkey Customs Union

The EU has traditionally been one of the most decisive supporters of multilateralism. Especially after Uruguay Round, she almost exclusively concentrated on WTO negotiations. Throughout the negotiations under WTO, even under the most stressed conditions, the EU backed multilateralism. Nevertheless, due to internal and external reasons, she started to veer her route toward bilateralism after a Communication published in 2006. Recently, she has concentrated on the Asian markets with particular reference to South Korea, ASEAN countries and India and started FTA negotiations with them. Since the EU is the most important trading bloc in the world, the change in her trade orientation inescapably affects the third countries that have special relations with the Union. Turkey, as a country that established a customs union without being a member of the EU, is one of the most illuminating cases, in this regard. Possible FTAs between the EU and South Korea, India, and ASEAN countries have the risk to deteriorate Turkish producers’ competitiveness and create trade deflection in the medium-term. In this context, two scenarios are drawn in this article, and it is concluded that in the ‘loose integration’ scenario, which is the most likely one, the negative effects of these agreements to Turkish economy might be less severe than anticipated.

The Complementary Role of the United Nations General Assembly in Peace Management

The Complementary Role of the United Nations General Assembly in Peace Management

Author(s): Kamrul Hossain / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2009

Keywords: International peace and security; threat to peace; self-defence and uniting for peace.

For the maintenance of international peace and security, the United Nations Charter places 'primary responsibility' upon the Security Council. This 'primary responsibility', however, does not necessarily mean 'exclusive responsibility'. Therefore, there is other responsibility - 'secondary' or 'residuary' - in the maintenance of international peace and security. The idea was also once confirmed in the Certain Expenses case. The General Assembly is the only body in which all the states of the United Nations are members. It is the only body where all the members get an equal chance to discuss all the common issues of global importance including international peace and security. Thus, 'secondary' or 'residuary' responsibility in peace maintenance rests, inter alia, on the General Assembly. In the case where the Security Council fails to discharge its 'primary responsibility' either due to the lack of unanimity or because of unwillingness, the General Assembly is the body that may legitimately come forward to take the issue up in order to maintain international peace and security. The article analyses the complementary role of the General Assembly in peace management and its increasing involvement in the maintenance of international peace and security.

Economic Espionage as A New Form of War in The Post-Cold War Period

Economic Espionage as A New Form of War in The Post-Cold War Period

Author(s): İbrahim Erdoğan / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2009

Keywords: Espionage; Economic Espionage; Conflict; Industrial Spying; Competitive Intelligence.

Having long remained in a state of fixation over the Cold-War rivalry, states have slowly begun to readjust themselves in the face of changing world realities. The most pressing aspect of that reality has emerged as fierce competition over non-traditional sources of power, may that be economics, technology or information. Economic espionage, thus, emerged as a useful and easy tool for those who would otherwise not have access to such sources. In an attempt to provide a comprehensive understanding of this new-found concept, this study examines the meaning, conditions, targets, methods, perpetrators, adverse effects of economic espionage before completing with a succinct analysis on preventive measures. It concludes by stating that the question of whether economic espionage would actually succeed as a national strategy for competitiveness is open to debate, but it would certainly cause further tensions among states, may be conflict in the international system.

Ergenekon: The Turkish Gladio?

Ergenekon: The Turkish Gladio?

Author(s): İhsan Bal / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2009

Several assassinations that took place in Turkey have always raised suspicions and skepticism even when their murderers were found. This “period of skepticism” begins as early as the 1970s continues through the 1990s and 2000s. The commonly known assassins Mehmet Ali Agca, Mahmut Yıldırım (also known as "Yesil" meaning: green) and Alparslan Aslan have a common symbolic meaning for this period. These symbols can be summarized as terrorizing the citizens in the country creating chaos and shift Turkey from a democracy to an authoritarian rule by using fear tactics. Everyone in Turkey wonders whether these assassinations had more meaning leading everyone to think more about the “deep state” (derin devlet), gangs, and counter terrorism organizations. What are even more mysterious are the unresolved assassinations. Most of these people were executed with remote controlled bombs, special assassination guns or plastic bombs.

An Overall Assessment of the French EU Presidency

An Overall Assessment of the French EU Presidency

Author(s): Ceren Mutuş / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2009

By the first day of the New Year, a new leaf was turned over for the European Union. The Czech Republic which assumed the EU’s six-month Presidency from France on January 1 will be presiding over the meetings of the EU-27 between January and June 2009. It will be the first time for the Czechs to undertake such a critical post at the EU level since they became a full member of the Union in December 2004. Prague is expected to face with an arduous EU agenda especially in terms of global financial crisis, energy security and foreign affairs which have recently gained great importance. Hence, the Presidency introduced its priorities as “3 E’s” as Economy, Energy and External relations. However, allegations relating to the Czech President Vaclav Klaus’ skeptical approach towards the European integration pose some concerns among the political and academic circles of whether this small country with only limited European experience can shoulder this responsibility.

Financial Liberalization and Crisis in the Age of Globalization

Financial Liberalization and Crisis in the Age of Globalization

Author(s): Muzaffer Kutlay,Mustafa Kutlay / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2009

Globalization has turned out to be one of the most controversial topics of our time. It is almost impossible to conclude a debate without touching upon at least one aspect of globalization. Moreover, it is not an easy task to make a comprehensive and adequate definition of the term which in turn leads to the overselling of it. Notwithstanding the definitional ambiguity, there is more or less consensus on what economic globalization is: It briefly refers to the abolishment of customs and trade barriers, to the surge in technological developments and knowledge, to the widespread liberalization and integration of financial markets, and to the movements in labour markets.

The Greater Central Asia Partnership Initiative and Its Impacts on Eurasian Security

The Greater Central Asia Partnership Initiative and Its Impacts onEurasian Security

Author(s): Fırat Purtaş / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2009

Keywords: Central Asia; Greater Central Asia Partnership; USA; Russia; Poverty

Besides the “Tulip Revolution” in Kyrgyzstan, the bloody events in Andijan city of Uzbekistan, decisions adopted in Astana Summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organization; the “The Greater Central Asia Partnership” has been one of the most important subjects of regional debates about Central Asia of the year 2005. This Project can also be considered as an instrument of U.S.’s changing policy towards the region. Being Afghanistan-centered, this project foresees a North-South line with the construction and invigoration of transportation and communication lines between Central Asia and South Asia. It was argued that the main aim of the Project was to challenge Russia’s and China’s influence in Central Asia and to demonstrate the permanent existence of the U.S. in the region. The article argues that the fundamental reason for security threats in the region basically stems from the poverty problem, and, in this framework, the “Greater Central Asia Partnership” may provide significant benefits to this region’s security.

Good Governance: A New Public Managerialism

Good Governance: A New Public Managerialism

Author(s): Hayrettin Özler,Aktan Coşkun Can / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2009

Keywords: Governance; good governance; global governance; institutions and ethics

This paper is an outcome of extensive reading and discussions on the subject of good governance between the authors. It is not a literature review alone but represents the understandings of the authors about the meaning of governance and good governance. The paper searches the background and current use of the concept and tries to give a complete picture as much as possible to comprehend how long it can be stretched to explain current problems of governing. It also discusses to what extent, the concept has a theoretical value and whether this is desirable or not. In the end, we suggest that the concept is a sign of an emerging political and administrative theory that relies on multiple sources of social sciences. That means this emerging theory has both normative and pragmatic characteristics, yet incomplete.

The New U.S. President and Iran

The New U.S. President and Iran

Author(s): Arzu Celalifer / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2009

Finally we leave this famous U.S. presidential elections behind, as Barack Obama winning a historic victory to become the first ever black president of the U.S. But this was just the first step for president-elect Obama. Everybody knows that as soon as he takes office in January 2009 he will find a series of problematic and major ongoing issues on his desk. Those major problems can briefly be listed as the global economic crisis, ongoing cases of Iraq and Afghanistan, ongoing nuclear cases of Iran and North Korea, global terrorism threat, and global climate issues. The result of this election has created an optimistic atmosphere all around the world. Since the unilateral and confrontational policies of the Bush Administration have damaged the U.S.’ image in the international community, this new president using the “time to change” slogan is seen as a chance for repairing this image. For sure one of the countries sharing this hope is Iran. After three decades of hostility the Iranians in general believe that Obama’s election may help to improve relations. It can be said that the Iranian public opinion and experts are both hopeful and deliberate. They are hopeful about an initiation of relations between two countries, and they are deliberate due to their previous experiences both by republican and democrat U.S Presidents. On the other hand, there are two main different groups with different views on that issue. The first one defends the idea that the newly elected president will be a good chance for recovering the relations; the other one defends the idea that nothing is going to be change.

Maritime Piracy is Back with a Vengance

Maritime Piracy is Back with a Vengance

Author(s): İbrahim Erdoğan / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2009

Recently news of; NATO deploying forces around the Horn of Africa in an attempt to provide greater security to maritime traffic and contribute to the achievement of long-term stability; the United Nations Secretary General’s request to provide escort protection for ships of the World Food Programme as they transit the pirate infested waters off the coast of Somalia are on the increase. Such news begs the question of whether piracy at seas is making a comeback with a vengeance.

Understanding "The New Great Game”

Understanding "The New Great Game”

Author(s): Hasan Selim Özertem / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2009

During the span of the 20th century, Eurasia experienced many conflicts, wars, and traumas. The two world wars, followed by the Cold War, caused a differences in perception on both sides of the Berlin Wall. Western Europe with the US and the USSR represented two different sides in political and economic terms. However, in the 1980s the leaders of the Soviet Union died one after another, and then Gorbachev had to take over a country with problematic mechanisms that prevented system from operating due to corruption, the war in Afghanistan, and old fashioned infrastructure that failed to modernize itself in tandem with the necessities of the time.

Evaluation of the “Carriers’ Liability” Regime as A Part of the EU Asylum Policy under Public International Law

Evaluation of the “Carriers’ Liability” Regime as A Part of the EU Asylum Policy under Public International Law

Author(s): Ece Başaran / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2009

Keywords: European Union; Asylum; Carriers’ Liability; Carrier Sanctions; Non-refoulement

The European States, which transformed asylum into a legal concept in the post-WWII period, produced various mechanisms to eliminate this creation of theirs with the change in the world conjuncture and in their economic needs. Among these mechanisms, one that has not been studied much in Turkish literature is carriers’ liability. This study aims to introduce the regime of carriers’ liability, to connect the regime with the EU asylum policy and to evaluate the regime within the framework of public international law. Firstly, the European understanding of asylum is briefly reviewed from the historical perspective and afterwards the emergence of the carriers’ liability regime within laws of European States’ as well as EU law is addressed. Then legal problems that the regime creates and potential ways of recourse are discussed.

Detention Downunder: New Directions in the Detention of Asylum Seekers in Australia

Detention Downunder: New Directions in the Detention of Asylum Seekers in Australia

Author(s): Hürriyet Babacan,Alperhan Babacan / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2009

Keywords: Refugees; Asylum Seekers; Detention; Human Rights; Australia; International Law

The detention of asylum seekers has been a key feature of Australia’s contemporary response to asylum seekers. In particular, the length and conditions of detention which drew criticism have been a significant aspect of political debate in Australia for more than a decade. In August 2008, the Rudd government announced a new detention model aimed at overturning the former long-term mandatory detention model. After providing an overview of Australia’s detention regime and the human rights implications of long-term mandatory detention, this paper discusses the new directions in detention announced by the Rudd Labor Government in August 2008. The government is to be commended on its policies which abolish long-term mandatory detention. The paper then discusses areas which as yet lack clarity including detainees’ appeal rights and details of alternatives to detention.