Activities

04.06.2021
RUSSIA-UKRAINE RELATIONS: THE FUTURE OF THE BLACK SEA AND AZOV SEA REGION WEBINAR
In the webinar, entitled "Russia-Ukraine Relations: The Future of Black Sea and Azov Sea Region", organized by IAU Graduate Education Institute and Global Peace and Democracy Research Centre (GLOBDEM) and contributed by Diplomatic Research Centre (DARD), the causes of tensions in the Black Sea and Azov Sea Region were discussed. In the webinar, the policies of Ukraine, Russia, NATO, the European Union and the countries of the region and their positions in the crisis were addressed, and it was noted that overcoming the crisis was in parallel with the parties' ability to find common ways of negotiation.
The webinar, organized by IAU Graduate Education Institute and Global Peace and Democracy Research Centre (GLOBDEM) and contributed by Diplomatic Research Center, was carried out as "Russia-Ukraine Relations: The Future of Black Sea and Azov Sea Region".
The webinar’s moderators were Prof. Dr. Ragıp Kutay Karaca, who is the director of Graduate Education Institute at Istanbul Aydın University, and Dr. Murat Jane, who is director of the Global Peace and Democracy Research Centre, and the webinar was broadcast live on the university’s official YouTube channel. In the webinar, some of the speakers were Prof. Dr. Giray Saynur Derman -Marmara University Public Relations and Publicity Department-, Assoc. Prof. Aigerim Yelibayeva -Narxoz University Faculty of Law and Social Sciences-, Assoc. Prof. Saken Mukan -Narxoz University Faculty of Law and Social Sciences-, Dr. Cristian Nitolu -Loughborough University Department of Diplomacy and International Governance-, Dr. Yuliya Biletska -Karabuk University, Department of International Relations-, Nariman Ustalev, -Gasprinsky Geostrategy Institute Director-, and the Consul Maksym Vdovychenko -the Consulate General of Ukraine in Istanbul-.
 
Dr. Yuliya Biletska: “Ukraine may have lost some of its territory in the war, but Russia lost all of Ukraine.
Regarding the question on the parties’ feelings towards each other, Dr. Yuliya Biletska -Karabuk University, Department of International Relations- stated that the root of conflicts between Ukraine and Russia were due to the fears during nation-building process. Remarking that 2014 was an important date for the relations between the two countries, Yuliya Biletska stated Russia closed its ear to Ukraine's wishes after that year. Biletska also said that Russia's aim was to seek a region under its own domination by adding that Russia could never fully accept the existence of other states and nations in the region. On the other hand, it was seen that Ukraine did not object to this situation much until 2014, but with the annexation of Crimea, both politicians and the public had reaction and dissociation against Russia. It was stated that an important factor in this is the fact that Ukrainians have made their identity a primary agenda. Ukraine's desire to be included in the civilized world and its quest to get out of Russia’s influence were also expressed as other factors. Yuliya Biletska pointed out that while before 2014, 60-70% of Ukrainians saw Russia as a partner, today the majority's definition of Russia as the primary enemy creates a significant break. Biletska assessed that "Ukraine may have lost some of its territory in the war, but Russia has lost all of Ukraine."
The Consulate General of Ukraine in Istanbul: "If the Russian influence on the Black Sea is not balanced by NATO and other actors, it will be difficult to achieve peace."
“The main goal behind Russia's annexation of Crimea and its conflicts with Ukraine and its use of such hard power is to prevent his dominance in the Black Sea and Azov Sea region from being put at risk.” On the other hand, Consul Maksym Vdovychenko emphasized that Putin declared without hesitation that he still considers Ukraine and other countries in the region as a historical part of Moscow and an area of interest. Consul Maksym Vdovychenko also asserted that Putin gave a message to other actors in the Black Sea and Azov Sea by making such a statement. According to Maksym Vdovychenko, if the increasingly intrusive Russian influence in the Black Sea is not balanced by NATO and other countries, the years of peace for the countries of the region and therefore for the Black Sea may come to an end.
 
Prof. Dr. Giray Saynur Derman: “Since Russia considers the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov as its region, it wants to secure this region and eliminate NATO that wants to be included in the region through Ukraine.”
Prof. Dr. Giray Saynur Derman asserted that the Black Sea and the Azov Sea are highly strategic regions in terms of both economy and security for Russia, and the relations between Ukraine and Russia should be handled in parallel with that. Derman said, "Russia both cares about the region due to financial reasons and wants to reduce the possibility of the West's potential dominance here," and added that a policy prioritising its own interests by choosing the path of economic reconciliation, especially with the countries with which it has good mutual relations in the region, is important for Ukraine. Derman stated that as the annexation of Crimea by Russia shows, Russia ignores Ukraine's requests and causes the two countries to face different purposes. Prof. Dr. Giray Saynur Derman mentioned that it is not only Russia and Ukraine that face each other in the Black Sea and Azov Sea; that Russia, which considers the Black Sea and the Sea of ​​Azov as its region, is determined to secure this region and perceives NATO, which wants to be included in the region through Ukraine, as a dangerous rival.
Assoc. Prof. Aigerim Yelibayeva: “Demographical diversity in Ukraine complicates decision making and implementation in foreign policy.”
Stating that there are different views on domestic politics in Ukraine and the society’s political choices diversified, Assoc. Prof. Aigerim Yelibayeva pointed out whereas the people in the west of Ukraine generally dream of a pro-Western and of Ukraine opening to the world, there is a society supporting pro-Moscow policies in the east of the country. For Yelibayeva, the reason is the demographic structures of the regions. On the other hand, Yelibayeva asserted that this situation in Ukraine caused various difficulties for decision-making and foreign policy development of the country. Accordingly, considering that Ukraine is still dependent on Russia, it is important for Ukraine to develop good relations with Russia. Yelibayeva pointed out although Russia is thought to be at war with Ukraine, it is actually NATO that is being opposed here. Assoc. Prof. Aigerim Yelibayeva mentioned that two countries should move the issue to a platform where they can discuss.
Dr. Cristian Nitolu: "Russia and the EU's relations regarding the Black Sea are not based on security, but on mutual benefits."
Considering that integration with Ukraine is not a priority for the European Union, Dr. Cristian Nitolu stated it is necessary considering that the Black Sea Region is more important for Russia than the European Union attaches importance to, and that Russia's pressure on the region will be easier to understand within this framework. “Russia-EU relations, on the other hand, contain both possibility of conflict and cooperation from time to time (there are mutual accusations on the side of Ukraine, too), but it is seen that cooperation is maintained especially in the field of economy. Although this is a situation Ukraine cannot accept, “the relations between Russia and the EU regarding the Black Sea are based on mutual benefits, not on security”, said Nitolu, and asserted that Russia considers Ukraine issue not as a war with Ukraine but with the West.
Nariman Ustalev: "Ukraine maintains its position as an important country for both the USA and the West, as Ukraine is the most important factor for Russian pressure and expansionism in the Black Sea."
Mentioning that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is actually a historical problem stemming from geopolitical and cultural reasons, Gasprinsky Geostrategy Institute Director Nariman Ustalev stated that Russia considers Ukraine as the key to regional integration. Ustalev stated that Ukraine is seeking more beneficial peace by improving its relations with the West, pointed out the country is supported by the USA and the West. Having added that "Ukraine maintains its position as an important country for both the USA and the West, and the most important factor in front of Russian pressure and expansionism is Ukraine.", Ustalev said Ukraine is an important country for both the West and the other parties to maintain their existence and safe commerce in the Black Sea.  
Assoc. Prof.  Saken Mukan: “With the inclusion of Turkey, this issue can be compromised and the Black Sea can become a zone of peace and developed economic zone again.”
Assoc. Prof. Saken Mukan stated that the economic sanctions imposed on Russia regarding the occupation of Crimea by the EU and the USA not only affected other countries in the region economically (such as Kazakhstan) but also were not very effective to decrease Russia’s influence on the region. He also added that many states in the region are dependent on Russia in terms of economy and security. Mukan said he had doubts that NATO and the EU could completely confront Russia for Ukraine. According to Mukan, it is not possible to stop Russia with economic sanctions and international law. "With the inclusion of Turkey, for being able to develop good relations with Russia and being an important power in the region, the problem can be solved and the Black Sea can be a zone of peace and a developed economic region once again.", said Dr. Saken Mukan by pointing out the importance of Turkey in ending the crisis.
Prof. Dr. Ragıp Kutay Karaca: “Turkey needs to ensure stability in the region by implementing the Montreux Convention.”
Prof. Dr. Ragıp Kutay Karaca stated that it would not be right to interpret the Ukraine issue only as a Russia-Ukraine conflict, rather this crisis is the resurgence of post-Cold War tensions between Russia-NATO-EU in Ukraine. Prof. Dr. Ragıp Kutay Karaca stated that interpreting the crisis only from Russia’s perspective, ignoring the West’s moves on the Russian border and their search for expansion would create an incomplete reading. He also pointed out that one of the reasons for Russia's occupation policies in the region may have been the sanctions imposed on it, which pushed it to resort to this path. By saying that "An independent Ukraine is important in maintaining the balance in the Black Sea", Karaca stated he hopes the problems will be resolved through diplomacy. On the other hand, Prof. Dr. Ragıp Kutay Karaca stated he believed that Turkey should ensure stability in the region by implementing the Montreux Convention.

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21.01.2021

CYBER SECURITY AND GLOBAL SYSTEM (WEBINAR)

By the Global Peace and Democracy Research Center on 21.01.2021; A webinar titled "Cyber Security and Global System" was held, with Assoc. Dr. Ali Burak Darıcılı as a guest. In the webinar, attention has been drawn to the aspects of cyberspace that threaten global peace. In addition, the positions and activities of states in the cyber field were discussed. Whether the anarchic order in the cyberspace has created a new security situation has been the main point of discussion.


PARTICIPANTS

Assoc. Dr. Ali Burak DARICILI

Dr. Murat JANE (moderator)

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12.03.2021


PEACE PROCESS  IN MOUNTAIN KARABAKH AND SOUTH CAUCASUS (WEBINAR)

The webinar "Peace Process in Nagorno-Karabakh and South Caucasus" was held by the Global Peace and Democracy Research Center on 12.03.2021, hosted by Dr. Orhan Gafarlı. 

The webinar was also published on IAU Youtube official channel.

The historical importance of the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the historical development of this problem are discussed. In addition, discussions on the future of the conflict were made in the webinar where the theses, priorities and policies of the parties were discussed, taking into account the latest developments in the region.

PARTICIPANTS

Dr. Orhan GAFARLI

Dr. Murat JANE (moderator)

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08 MAY 2014 – 9.00


GLOBAL PEACE AND DEMOCRACY CENTER

CONFERENCE ON POLITICAL TRANSITIONS AND RESOLUTIONS OF INTERNAL CONFLICTS IN THE ARAB WORLD


LOCATION: FLORYA CAMPUSİ BLOCK A CONFERENCE HALL

 

Istanbul Aydın University Global Peace Democracy Center organized an international conference on Political Transitions and Resolutions of Internal Conflicts in the Arab World with the participation of the academic members from Paris Descartes University, Valencienne and Lebanese universities. In addition to the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Prof. Yves Charbit and Dr. Fouad Nohra from Paris Descartes University, Prof. Aissa Kadri from Paris 8 University, Prof. Mokhtar Ben Barka from Valencienne University, Kamal Hammad from Lebanese University, Prof. Dr. Nazım İrem and Asst. Prof. Özüm Sezin Uzun from Istanbul Aydın University Department of Political Science and International Relations and Asst. Prof. Naciye Selin Şenocak who is the director of Istanbul Aydın University Occidental Studies Research Center were participated in the Conference organized under the care of Dr. Mustafa Aydın, President of the Board of Trustees of Istanbul Aydın University.

Sociological, demographic, religion policies and the notifications examining the relations between education systems and demographic transitions will be discussed during the first part of the one-day conference which will be hosted by Global Peace and Democracy Center. The participants will make joint evaluations on the subjects during the panel that will be held in the afternoon session of the conference examining the impact of local and global actors on the Arab Spring. 


PARTICIPANTS

Dr. Mustafa Aydın (Istanbul Aydın University, the President of the Board of Trustees)

Tawakkol Karman (2011 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, the Director of the Global Peace and Democracy Center, Istanbul Aydın University)

Prof. Dr. Nazım İrem (Istanbul Aydın University)

Dr. Selin Şenocak (Director of CEDS, Istanbul Aydın University, Turkey)

Dr. Fouad Nohra (France –Université Paris Descartes)

Prof. Aissa Kadri (France – Université Paris 8)

Prof. Yves Charbit (France –Université Paris Descartes)

Asst. Prof.  Özüm Sezin Uzun (Istanbul Aydın University)

Prof. Mokhtar Ben Barka (France – Valencienne University)

Prof. Kamal Hammad (Chairman Advisor, Lebanese University)

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28.01.2014

Conference on Turkish-Yemen Relations and the Arab Spring

"Conference on Turkish-Yemen Relations and the Arab Spring" was held on January 28th, 2014, Tuesday, at 10:00 am on Florya Campus. Tawakkol Karman who is 2011 Nobel Peace Prize laureate and the Director of Istanbul Aydın University Global Peace and Democracy Center and Asst. Prof. İsmail who is Yemen's 2012 Presidency Election Observer and academic member of Sakarya University Department of Law participated in the conference. Also, Muhammed Ahmed Al-Maşrahi, Honorary Consular General of Yemen in Istanbul, and Dr. Mustafa Aydın, Istanbul Aydın University President of the Board of Trustees attended to the conference.

Dr. Mustafa Aydın, Istanbul Aydın University President of Board of Trustees, gave information about the Global Peace and Democracy Center within Istanbul Aydın University after making the opening speech of the "Conference on Turkish-Yemen Relations and the Arab Spring" organized by Istanbul Aydın University.

The Journalist who is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and the Director of Istanbul Aydın University Peace and Democracy Center, gave information about her experiences during the Yemen Spring. Karman emphasized that the revolution in Yemen started for freedom, justice, human rights and the honor of the people. Stating that the revolution in Yemen was a peace revolution, Karman said "Everybody in Turkey, the youth, women shared the same dream with us. They shared the dream of freedom, justice and peace for Yemen, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Syria. All these five countries which experienced the Arab Spring shared the same dream and decided to use "peace" as the only tool but they were all oppressed." Karman also mentioned the relation between Turkey and Yemen; "Turkey-Yemen relation was strengthened even more, especially after the Arab Spring. As a powerful country, Turkey did not be unconcerned to the changes in Yemen".

Asst. Prof. İsmail Gündoğdu touched on the relations between Yemen-Turkey at his speech. Emphasizing that we have a common history since the period of Ottoman Empire, Gündoğdu told his experiences in Yemen during the revolution. He said "I was there during the Yemen version of Arab Spring and witnessed everything. I wasn't believing that such a large community could gather and even knock over the oppressive leader or the dictator. As the Madam mentioned, they had no weapons. They were shouting as 'leave' or 'peace'".

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29.11.2013

The Meeting of Producing Ideas from the Laureate of Nobel Peace Prize

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate and the director of Istanbul Aydın University Peace and Democracy Center came to Istanbul for "The Meeting of Producing Ideas". Hosting scientists and politicians producing ideas on "The Middle East and Peace" in various countries of the world, Peace and Democracy Center threw students and academicians together for a three-day long program in order to discuss a series of subjects about the current condition of democracy in the Middle East and the peace-maker subjects. The international students studying at Istanbul Aydın University and other universities were also attended to the activities organized at Florya Campus of Istanbul Aydın University and they discussed the final situation of the Middle East. Karman also gave her first lecture to the students of Political Science and International Relations Department.

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28.08.2013

Being both an academician and a citizen of Turkey

Having been awarded Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 due to her peaceful struggle for the protection of women's rights, Karman was appointed as the Director of Global Peace and Democracy Center established under the care of Dr. Mustafa Aydın, the President of the Board of Trustees of Istanbul Aydın University. Karman, who acquired Turkish citizenship in 2010, was appointed as an academician to the Department of Political Sciences and International Relations besides being the director of the center.

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05.08.2013

The Director of IAU Global Peace and Democracy Was Not Allowed to Enter Egypt

Nobel laureate Muslim woman journalist and activist, who is also the director of Global Peace and Democracy Center within Istanbul Aydın University, was not allowed to enter Egypt when she tried to go Egypt from Sana shortly after she returned to her country. Karman's passport was confiscated and she was released after being remanded in custody. Criticizing Abdulfettah Es-Sis, the Minister of Defense, after the army seized control of the administration in Egypt and describing this incident as a coup, Karman was not allowed to enter Egypt after all the statements she made and her announcement on her social media accounts expressing that she would go to Rabiatul Addevviye Square to support the peaceful demonstrations. Karman indicated that she was not allowed to enter Egypt by the government that wanted to stop her.

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07.04.2013

The Iron Woman Meet with IAU Students

Dr. Mustafa Aydın, Istanbul Aydın University President of the Board of Trustees, had a comprehensive talk with the Nobel laureate Muslim woman journalist and activist on the Arab Spring, the Yemeni Revolution, the current issues in Yemen, education and Yemen-Turkey relations and the other current issues, then he gave a piece of good news regarding an important project at the press conference.

Nobel laureate Yemeni woman journalist and activist met with the students of Istanbul Aydın University. Karman told the students about what happened in Yemen and throughout the Middle East: "We sacrificed a lot to be at this point. We have made great sacrifices. People made these revolutions to take their freedom back. People your age have fought not only for their freedom, but also for the freedom of the peoples of the world, for the freedom of their geography.  People witnessed that their houses were brought down in ruins. Our youth fought up front against all the evil in the world. Arabian youth believed their dreams and hopes". Karman explained whether or not the Arab Spring achieved its goals: "The Arab Spring has not yet achieved its goals. We were able to complete only the first step. We have managed to overturn the head of the regime in the first step. Now it's time for the second step in which we aim to get all corrupt units off our country. If God permits the second step will be achieved very soon in Syria. After all, our aim is to shape all laws and structures in line with the wishes of women and youth. Our object is democracy, freedom, equality and a good life".

We conveyed our desire to establish a research center named after her at the press conference during our Yemen visit. She was very pleased to hear that. We started our works to establish this center.  She has not denied her support to us and is here with us today". Tawakkol Karman underlined that the Global Peace and Democracy Center will play a significant role in the future of the Middle East and added "I believe that this center, which will be established in Istanbul Aydın University, will provide beneficial services to the Middle East and the world. People who are not only from our geography but from all over the world, serving in this field, producing ideas and formulating opinions will gather under the roof of this center".

güncelleme: 9.7.2021 12:09