Research/Publications

Some Thoughts on the Findings of Jean Monnet Chair Coaware

Securitisation of Migration Revisited: European Union Policies Through the Lens of Syrian Refugees Living in Turkey

JEAN MONNET CHAIR

EU AWARENESS, RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

2020-2023 (620422-EPP-1-2020-1-TR-EPPJMO-CHAIR)

ISTANBUL 29 MAYIS UNIVERSITY

ANNUAL REPORTS (2020-2022)

PROJECT COORDINATOR: PROF. DR. ÖZGÜR ÜNAL – ERİŞ

PROJECT ASSISTANT: OĞUZHAN BARÇIN

JEAN MONNET CHAIR COAWARE – KICK-OFF EVENT
04 December 2020, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University, Zoom Webinar
72 attendees

Perspectives on the European Union from a New Member State and Two Candidates: Croatia – Turkey – Montenegro in Co-Operation

Dr. Ivana Zerec, Consul General of Croatia in Istanbul
Selim Lika, Consul General of Montenegro in Istanbul
Moderator: Prof. Dr. Özgür Ünal – Eriş, Jean Monnet Chair

In this kick-off event, Croatia, Montenegro and Turkey’s perspectives on the European Union and the opportunities of co-operation between these three countries -as one member and two candidate countries- have been discussed.

Consul General of Montenegro in Istanbul Selim Lika stated that the European Union contains a set of values and brings with it a very important cooperation. He underlined that a strong European Union is a great opportunity with Schengen, IPA funds and trade realities and added that Montenegro got important lessons in terms of European Union. Furthermore, Lika stated that free movement brings great benefits by adding the European Union and NATO are of great importance for the Balkans. Dr Zerec underlined that the European Union means security and stability for the Balkans, and also emphasized the undeniable importance of investments and stated that membership negotiations can always have ups and downs. Besides, Dr Zerec drew attention to the role of policy-makers and mentioned his work during Croatia’s EU presidency. Later on, Dr Ivana Zerec stated that the Zagreb Summit is important for enlargement and the European Union also brings important opportunities with its infrastructure investments, student exchanges and the principle of free movement. After that, she underlined the EU has had great success in terms of collectivity and the presence of the European Union, especially during the pandemic, is important for multilateralism.

JEAN MONNET CHAIR COAWARE – SECOND VIRTUAL EVENT
09 December 2020, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University, Zoom Webinar
95 attendees

Reflections on the Future of the EU – Turkey Relations Before the European Council Summit

Laura Batalla Adam, Secretary-General of European Parliament Turkey Forum

Moderator: Prof. Dr. Özgür Ünal – Eriş, Jean Monnet Chair

On 9 December 2020, Jean Monnet Chair COAWARE at Istanbul 29 Mayıs University organised a webinar in cooperation with European Parliament Turkey Forum. This event aimed to discuss the state of play of Turkey – EU relations before the European Council Summit.

The guest speaker was Laura Batalla Adam from European Parliament Turkey Forum. She presented her ideas on some subtopics like European Union’s priorities and membership perspective, the update of CU, visa liberalization, refugee crisis and other ongoing developments during that period. She has also talked about the question of “How to overcome the current problems in Turkey – EU relations” and about the conditionality and continuity of Turkey – EU relations.

JEAN MONNET CHAIR COAWARE – GUEST LECTURE
18 December 2020, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University, Zoom Webinar
72 attendees

The Muslim World & Construction of Europeanness

Dr. Oğuzhan Göksel, Assistant Professor at Istanbul 29 Mayıs University
Moderator: Prof. Dr. Özgür Ünal – Eriş, Jean Monnet Chair

On the 18 December 2020, Jean Monnet Chair COAWARE organised a very informative guest lecture by Dr. Oguzhan Goksel on the topic of “The Muslim World & Construction of Europeanness” with the introductory remarks by Chairholder Prof. Dr. Özgür Ünal – Eriş.

Dr. Oguzhan Goksel has focused on the idea of Europe, Europeanness & Islam in history and today on the topic of “The Muslim World & Construction of Europeanness”. He underlined the importance of social constructs and mentioned some successful examples of them. He expressed that Europe and Europeanness are among the most successful social constructs of all time.

On the other hand, he pointed out that European success in building a regional block that ensures political stability, cooperation, mutual benefits and influence. According to Dr. Goksel, the ability of Europeans to build their self-identification around widely accepted “Others” such as Ottomans/Turks, Russia/USSR, Muslims etc. In that sense, this helps justify the existence of the EU.

Another point of Dr Goksel shows that the willingness of Europeans to learn from historical tragedies (e.g. 30 Years War, World War I-II, Cold War) contributed to European supra-national project of peace. Another fact is European common values, and the elimination of regional threats to status quo such as German expansionism, economic and political system are very determinant in this context.

JEAN MONNET CHAIR COAWARE – GUEST LECTURE
25 December 2020, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University, Zoom Webinar
66 attendees

The Impact of the European Union on Conservative and Islamist Ideas

Prof. Dr. Michelangelo Guida, Head of Department- Political Science and International Relationst, Professor at Istanbul 29 Mayıs University

Moderator: Prof. Dr. Özgür Ünal – Eriş, Jean Monnet Chair

On 25 December 2020, the fourth Jean Monnet Chair COAWARE event was organised as a guest lecture by Prof. Dr. Michelangelo Guida, including the introductory remarks by the Chairholder Prof. Özgür Ünal – Eris, which was another very informative and detailed lecture by Professor Michelangelo Guida. He focused on the conservative perspectives and obstacles towards EU especially through characteristics of Turkish examples. This guest lecture attracted high attention by its brilliant questions and stimulating discussion.

In his presentation, Professor Guida first talked about the main features of Turkish conservatism and compared it with French and British conservative views. After these comparisons, he talked about the history of the Europeanization process in Turkey and made some evaluations on whether this vision could be integrated into Turkish political life.

Talking about the motivation of the Turkish side in the context of the Ankara Agreement signed in 1963, Guida drew a general portrait of those who advocated and did not support the pro-European policy. He stated that those opposing the Europeanization process generally have some concerns for sovereignty, morality and the country’s economy, and added that he observed that a “Sevres Syndrome” was also prevailing.

Later on, Professor Guida emphasized that with the end of the Cold War, the views of the Islamist intellectuals in Turkey, who saw the West as imperialist, continued to affect this process. He also stressed that it had a significant impact on political dialogue efforts with Europe.

He pointed out that in the 2000s, the harmonization policies of the European Union played an important role in Turkish political reforms and the start of the accession negotiations was a turning point in Turkey-EU relations. Professor Guida, who formerly said the Islamist view was not very warm to the idea of full membership in the beginning, later stated that the Islamist view in Turkey made a u-turn and realized that they needed the EU dynamic as well. He stated that the AK Party, on the other hand, stands out more openly as a pro-EU party compared to the political organizations it is the successor of.

Finally, Guida pointed out that the EU has failed to address the specific problems that preoccupy conservative public opinion; however, the Cyprus Problem, the discourses on Turkey’s membership, the reactions to the July 15 coup attempt are factors that affect public support, and such situations. He expressed that his concerns about Turkey’s EU membership have increased.

JEAN MONNET CHAIR COAWARE – FIFTH VIRTUAL EVENT
13 January 2021, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University, Zoom Webinar
115 attendees

Reflections on the Future of the EU – Turkey Relations After the European Council Summit
Dr. Nathalie Tocci, Special Advisor to EU HRVP Josep Borrell, Director of IAI
Moderator: Prof. Dr. Özgür Ünal – Eriş, Jean Monnet Chair

On 13 January 2021, Jean Monnet Chair COAWARE organised an exclusive event with Dr. Nathalie Tocci the Director of Istituto Affari Internazionali and Special Advisor to EU High Representative/Vice President of European Commission Josep Borrell Fontelles. In this meeting, the state of play of Turkey – EU relations after the European Council Summit was discussed. This event has been chaired by Jean Monnet Professor Prof. Dr. Özgür Ünal – Eriş.

Dr. Tocci has started her talk by saying a relationship that had witnessed ebbs and flows, but now the relations are on a reverse gear. In this complex relationship – politics, identity, energy, security… – there will always be problems and challenges and never as much as today we are now talking about association than membership, but there are some points for rejuvenation, she underlined.

In terms of problems, there was on one hand an understanding between Trump and Erdoğan that the relationship was at rock bottom. On the Turkish sides, there are now the first seeds of restraint of the global context.

Dr. Tocci explored why on the EU side the things have been deteriorating and why Turkey is not judged by the same standards used for another member and an institutionally instinct reading of Turkey from the EU exists. Dr. Tocci underlined the EU’s view of Turkey as an undemocratic country and pointed out that elections in Turkey do manifest the fact that Turkish society is indeed a democratic one.

On the other hand, Dr. Tocci said that Turkey’s foreign policy is not black and white and tied to the domestic sphere. From that point, without having a clear alternative in mind, we cannot put an end to Turkey’s accession. Grown assertiveness of Turkish foreign policy is also emphasized by Dr. Nathalie Tocci in terms of Eastern Mediterranean, Libya, Syria, Cyprus etcetera. She said the EU cannot be neutral and its position is structurally imbalanced. She has underlined Germany’s efforts to facilitate dialogue with NATO. In terms of Nagorno Karabakh, the EU has unanimously called for a ceasefire and the EU is not against the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

In conclusion, she underlined that accession negotiations should resume as it is not going anywhere. Then, she stated that we should either coexist or be in substitution. She also underlined that a modernized Customs Union should revitalize Turkey-EU relations. The economy is the area in which the relationship has been the most consistent and convergent. She pointed out if it is going to replace the contractual relationship between the EU and Turkey, it should be done with a rules-based framework. The EU does not have a leverage over Turkey’s domestic atmosphere. However, it is much better than having a transactional relationship.

JEAN MONNET CHAIR COAWARE – GUEST LECTURE
12 February 2021, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University, Zoom Webinar
42 attendees

Europe and Ottoman Modernization: Colonial Periphery or Uneven Development?

Dr. Oğuzhan Göksel, Assistant Professor at Istanbul 29 Mayıs University
Moderator: Prof. Dr. Özgür Ünal – Eriş, Jean Monnet Chair

On the 13 February 2021, Jean Monnet Chair COAWARE organised another very informative guest lecture by Dr. Oguzhan Goksel on the topic of “Europe and Ottoman Modernization: Colonial Periphery or Uneven Development?”. It was a great talk on the purpose of discussing the substantial impact of Europe on the modernization trajectory of Ottoman Empire after the Tanzimat Reform within the context of late development.

In this lecture, Dr. Goksel explained how encounters with Europe affected the Ottoman modernization program and the subsequent political life of Turkey. From this point of view, he questioned if a technologically more advanced society and its less advanced counterpart could possibly build a fair and mutually-beneficial relationship.

In the meantime, Dr. Goksel has explored the historical intellectual origins of contemporary debates over the West in Turkish politics. At this point, he focused on the substantial impact of Europe on the modernization trajectory of Ottoman Empire after the Tanzimat Reform of 1839. The focus also was on how various groups of Ottoman/Turkish intellectuals reacted to Europe’s intense influence, the Tanzimat Period sowing the seeds of Turkey’s “love-hate relation with the West”. Various views within the existing scholarly literature were underlined by Dr. Goksel -including Emmanuel Wallerstein’s. After that, he pointed out the importance of World System Theory/Core-Periphery Model.

In the next part, Dr. Goksel underlined two dominant narratives: Ottomans/Turkey had no realistic chance of ever catching up with the West. Ottoman efforts to modernize did not prevent the country from being a colonial periphery. He explained how Ottoman/Republican intense efforts to modernize have helped the country benefit from these encounters with Europe. According to him, these views have had a strong influence on the reactions of Turkish intellectuals to the modernization efforts as well as their understanding of the West.

Dr. Oguzhan Goksel has underlined the turning points of Ottoman modernization and made his presentation by comparing the examples of late development in the Non-Western World. After the underlined attempts on reform and opposition to it, he concluded by exploring the relation between late development and anti-Westernism. He pointed out that there is a strong correlation between the latest developments in the non-Western world and the potency of anti-Westernism. Turkey is certainly not unique in this global context and left wing and right wing ideologies in Turkey contain strong anti-Western discourses.

Our events in March was dedicated to celebrate #InternationalWomensDay through hosting meetings with leading women in academia, diplomacy and entrepreneurship.

In this framework, the seventh Jean Monnet Chair COAWARE event was a guest lecture with Dr. Z. Selen Artan – Bayhan on 2 March 2021. Dr. Artan talked about women’s movement in Turkey through looking at late Ottoman and early Republican periods. (59 attendees)

This seminar aimed at examining the public debates and activities engaged by the Ottoman women and discussing the demands they made and the challenges they faced by the early Republican political elites which eventually led to their silencing.

The seminar walks through several stages and aspects of Ottoman feminist historiography which remained dormant until after a new feminist movement “rediscovered” their roots in the 1990s.

Focusing on the women’s movement during the late Ottoman and early Republican periods, Dr. Artan discussed the challenges and demands of women’s movement in Turkey with its prominent figures and associations; also the social context and intellectual environment of that period.

Dr. Artan explained the significance of emancipation, the denial of the motto as “being mothers of the nation” and organizations of Turkish women. Her presentation explained the interest and the role of Turkish women from late Ottoman period and the period including their participation from the War of Independence to granting of political rights in 1934. Her presentation emphasized the experience of Turkish women from Ottoman period as a sum.

On 8 March 2021, the eighth Jean Monnet Chair COAWARE event was a webinar with HE Ambassador Annely Kolk, Ambassador of Estonia to Turkey; Ms Anette S. Galskjøt, Consul General of Denmark in Istanbul; Ms Elena Sgarbi, Consul General of Italy in Istanbul; Dr. Ivana Zerec, Consul General of Croatia in Istanbul; Ms Veronika Lombardini, Consul General of Slovakia in İstanbul. This meeting has been chaired by Jean Monnet Professor Özgür Ünal – Eriş. (115 attendees)

With the cooperation between Jean Monnet Chair COAWARE at Istanbul 29 Mayıs University and Istanbul Consular Corps (ICC), under the framework of 8 March International Women’s Day. Women diplomats of EU countries have participated to speak in the “Women in Diplomacy” webinar. Each speaker will share their opinions and experiences with the audience under this theme, especially regarding the challenges faced by women in diplomacy and how empowerment of women in diplomatic positions can be an advantage. This webinar aims for the audience to see the strength of women diplomats, thus having an impact on raising awareness regarding the EU role on this special day. They have shared their inspiring experiences and advice on empowerment of women with the audience.

Ms Annely Kolk, Ambassador of Estonia to Turkey underlined her experiences of her proudly serving 22 years of diplomacy as a woan. From that point of view, she has pointed out that women leaders should take more and more initiative to make women to get knowledge, make them familiar and stay away from their reluctance and quietness to take any new initiatives in public and private sector. To raise this awareness, she has underlined the importance of pursing their dreams and encouraging them to take right actions. In agreeing with Ambassador Kolk, Consul General of Slovakia in Istanbul, Ms Veronika Lombardini has pointed the importance of enjoying political rights and making women’s achievements more visible everywhere, and it is not just women’s issue, but it is the duty of all. Ms Elena Sgarbi, Consul General of Italy in Istanbul has mentioned the importance of making all the societies more and more familiar on gender equality, and not letting anybody to harm the principle of gender equality. According to Ms Sgarbi, women can do what they want in every sphere, but there are still many steps in order to reach gender equality. Dr. Ivana Zerec, Consul General of Croatia in Istanbul and Head of Istanbul Consular Corps, has underlined the importance of sustainable efforts on this issue and Dr. Zerec has mentioned the useful statistics to measure the women empowerment and tracking women’s share of legislative and ministerial positions over time. From this point, she said that women’s political and therefore diplomatic, administrative efforts should go further and be sustainable. Both Dr. Zerec and Anette S. Galskjøt , Consul General of Denmark in Istanbul agreed on women also can be very successful leaders as men do, they can also be more peace-minded in their duties, better diplomats, negotiators through pointing the experiences during their duties abroad.

Jean Monnet Chair COAWARE hosted also another exclusive event on the occassion of #InternationalWomenDay ,which is the ninth, with Associate Professor Itır Erhart from Istanbul Bilgi University. It started with Itır Erhart’s speeches on social entrepreneurship, women social entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurship in Turkey. (44 attendees)

JEAN MONNET CHAIR COAWARE – GUEST LECTURE
01 April 2021, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University, Zoom Webinar
56 attendees

Europe, Turkey and the Key Political Ideologies in Turkey

Prof. Dr. Michelangelo Guida, Head of Department- Political Science and International Relationst, Professor at Istanbul 29 Mayıs University

Moderator: Prof. Dr. Özgür Ünal – Eriş, Jean Monnet Chair

On 01 April 2021, the tenth Jean Monnet Chair COAWARE event was a guest lecture by Prof. Dr. Michelangelo Guida, including the introductory remarks by Chairholder Prof. Dr. Özgür Ünal-Eriş. Prof. Guida analysed the influence of Europe in shaping the main political traditions like Conservatism, Nationalism and Islamism in Turkey.

Professor Guida pointed the channels of influence that the Ottomans were late in realizing how the the emergence of centralized modern states, bureaucratic control, the discovery of the Americas, the decline of trade in the Mediterranean, and European military revolution were weakening the Empire and strengthening European Powers. From Bernard Lewis’s point of view, Professor Guida emphasized that Ottoman provinces always maintained their relations with Europe -obviously in the context of an early-modern world with relatively low cultural interconnectedness and low scale international trade. To explain the European influence between adoption and rejection, he mostly used Ernest Renan’s perspective.

After this part, he emphasized the emergence of anti-Westernism, and reinvention of tradition. According to Professor Guida. as all the Ottoman intellectuals, also radical reformists were obsessed by the position of the Empire vis-a-vis the West and developed a “love-hate attitude”. The best evidence of this is the fact that the biggest success in Turkey’s Westernization coincide with the periods when it was not a friend of the West.

JEAN MONNET CHAIR COAWARE – GUEST LECTURE
24 April 2021, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University, Zoom Webinar
39 attendees

European Influence on Late Ottoman Period

Prof. Dr. Özgür Ünal – Eriş, Jean Monnet Chair, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University

Moderator: Oğuzhan Barçın, Assistant to the Jean Monnet Chair, Master’s Student in PolSci.

On 24 April 2021, the eleventh Jean Monnet Chair event was a webinar by Jean Monnet Professor Özgür Ünal – Eriş.

The seminar has been about the likely effects of Europe, specifically the French Revolution, on the modernisation efforts of the late Ottoman period. The analysis of this time period will also have reflections on the state of nature of the relationship between the EU and Turkey today.

JEAN MONNET CHAIR COAWARE – EXCLUSIVE ONLINE EVENT
05 May 2021, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University, Zoom Webinar
230 attendees

The European Union as a Global Player

The program mentioned as follows:

Webinar on 5 May 2021, 11:00 to 16:00. (GMT +3, Istanbul time)

11:00 – 12:15

Welcome and introduction

  • Oğuzhan Barçın, Assistant to the Jean Monnet Chair, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University

Opening remarks

  • Dr. Mustafa Sinanoğlu, Rector, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University
  • E. Dr. Ivana Zerec, Consul General of Croatia in Istanbul, Head of Istanbul Consular

Corps (ICC)

  • Ayhan Zeytinoğlu, President of Economic Development Foundation (IKV)
  • Haydar Ali Yıldız, Mayor of Beyoğlu, Istanbul
  • Dr. Özgür Ünal – Eriş, Jean Monnet Chair, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University

Session I:

Keynote Speech

  • Federica Mogherini, Rector, College of Europe; Former High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission; Former Italy’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation: Potential of the EU as a Global Actor

Speeches

  • E. Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer – Landrut, Head of EU Delegation to Turkey: Turkey-EU Relations
  • E. Ambassador Faruk Kaymakcı, Deputy Minister of Turkish MFA and Director for EU Affairs: Potential of the EU as a Global Actor

12.15-12.40: Q&A Session

12.40-12.50 Break

12.50-14.20: Session II

Moderator: Prof. Dr. Özgür Ünal – Eriş, Jean Monnet Chair, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University

  • Dr. Emil Kirchner, Department of Government, University of Essex: The Changing Context of EU – China Relations
  • Andreas List, Former Principal Administrator, EU External Action Service: Thinking about the post Corona EU
  • Xavier Nuttin, Senior Associate and Advisory Board Member at European Institute for Asian Studies: In Search of an EU’s Indo-pacific Strategy in a Changing World Order

14.20-14.30 Break

14.30-16.00: Session III

Moderator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Nas, Secretary General of Economic Development Foundation

  • Katarzyna Marzec, Deputy Head of Unit, DG for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, European Commission: Current Outlook for Turkey-EU Relations
  • Amanda Paul, Senior Policy Analyst at European Policy Centre: EU and Its Neighbourhood: Prospects for Turkey-EU Co-operation
  • Dr. Dimitrios Triantaphyllou, Department of International Relations, Director, Center for International and European Studies (CIES), Kadir Has University: Role of civil society in the future of the EU as a global actor
  • Seda Gürkan, Lecturer in Political Science and European Studies at Universite libre de Bruxelles (ULB): EU’s Global Role and its Normative Power

Closing remarks:

  • Ivana Zerec, Consul General of Croatia in Istanbul and Head of Istanbul Consular Corps (ICC)
  • Dr. Özgür Ünal – Eriş, Jean Monnet Chair, İstanbul 29 Mayıs University

The online conference with three sessions entitled “The European Union as a Global Player” was held by Istanbul 29 Mayıs University Jean Monnet Chair COAWARE in cooperation with Istanbul Consular Corps (ICC), Economic Development Foundation (IKV) and Beyoğlu Muncipality within the scope of 9th of May – Europe Day Activities, on 5 May 2021, numerous distinguished Turkish and Foreign academics & bureaucrats came together, notably with the keynote address of HE Federica Mogherini former HRVP of the European Union and Rector of College of Europe; Deputy Minister of Turkish MFA and Director of EU Affairs HE Ambassador Faruk Kaymakcı; Head of the EU Delegation to Turkey Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut; Consul General of Croatia in Istanbul and Head of Istanbul Consular Corps (ICC) Dr. Ivana Zerec

The webinar has reflected upon the issue of the potential of the European Union as a Global Actor based on the views and experiences of the very distinguished speakers and discuss what the bureaucratic, institutional, political and other impediments to that role may be.

At the event where EU’s global position were discussed, it is stated that the EU will become stronger than ever before and it will transform itself into a key global playmaker with Turkey’s participation.

This event was visible all around Istanbul with the partnership of Beyoğlu Municipality.

JEAN MONNET CHAIR COAWARE – GUEST LECTURE
22 May 2021, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University, Zoom Webinar
45 attendees

The Image of “New Turkey” in the Eyes of EU Media

Dr. Oğuzhan Göksel, Assistant Professor at Istanbul 29 Mayıs University

Moderator: Oğuzhan Barçın, Assistant to the Jean Monnet Chair, Master’s Student in PolSci.

On 22 May 2021, Dr. Goksel presented his work that studies the contemporary image of Turkey in the mainstream media outlets of two leading countries of the EU (France and Germany) and the former EU member, Britain. This seminar aimed at how the image of Turkey in the European media changed dramatically after 2013 and its impact for EU accession process in particular.

It argues that Turkey’s image in EU countries has deteriorated in recent years due to several issues such as the 2013 Gezi Park protests, debates over the transition to super-presidential system and the Syrian refugees crisis. The newspapers included in the study are The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, The Economist, Deutsche Welle, Der Spiegel, Le Monde Diplomatique and France 24.

At this point, Dr. Goksel explained the New Turkey discourse, its meaning, legacy in Turkish politics and its reflections to the European media. European media have reacted to this change in a very concerned way and not positively. The finding of this study is that the formation of New Turkey has become a key determinant of Turkey’s image in European media. Dr. Goksel explained which issues are heading to these criticisms: 2013 Gezi Protests, The Presidential System, The Syria Crisis, The Kurdish Issue and Turkey’s MENA Policy.

JEAN MONNET CHAIR COAWARE – GUEST LECTURE
29 May 2021, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University, Zoom Webinar
52 attendees

The Narratives of Turkish Model & the Arab Spring in European Media

Dr. Oğuzhan Göksel, Assistant Professor at Istanbul 29 Mayıs University

Moderator: Oğuzhan Barçın, Assistant to the Jean Monnet Chair, Master’s Student in PolSci.

On 29 May 2021, the fourteenth Jean Monnet Chair event was a webinar by Dr. Oğuzhan Göksel from Faculty of Economics, Marmara University with the title of “The Narratives of Turkish Model & the Arab Spring in European Media”.

The 2011 Arab uprisings were initially hailed by many observers in the Western world as the harbinger of a “modern” Middle East. Finally, it was believed, the hegemony of corrupt autocrats and the prolonged “dark age” of the Arab world were coming to an end. In the context of this narrative, the so-called Turkish model gained popularity as a potential guide for the modernization of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

This study criticizes much of this literature on the Arab uprisings, arguing that the excessive enthusiasm shown by Western mainstream media and governments toward the promotion of the Turkish model reveals the limits of their understanding of the complexities of MENA societies and polities. In order to develop a generalizable understanding of modernization in the MENA region, the Eurocentrism of mainstream literature needs to be replaced with more flexible frameworks such as Post-Colonialism, Multiple Modernities Paradigm, and the Uneven and Combined Development Theory.

In the context of this narrative, the so-called Turkish Model gained popularity as a potential guide for the modernization of the Middle East and North Africa region. In order to develop a generalizable understanding of modernization in the MENA region and beyond, Dr. Goksel underlined that the Eurocentrism of mainstream literature needs to be replaced with more flexible frameworks such as Post-Colonialsim, Multiple Modernities Paradigm and the Uneven and Combined Development Theory.

According to Dr. Goksel, Turkish Model has been defined and offered by Western observers as a suitable guide for the MENA: Moderate Islamism, Capitalist free-market economics, Democratization, Westernization. The political context behind the Western promotion of the Turkish model to the MENA is hardly romantic and idealist, because it is actually caused by a pragmatic outlook that is concerned with protecting Western interests as much as possible.

The AK Party experience of Turkey has been offered as evidence that Islamist rule could be compatible with Western modernity and, therefore, be seen as legitimate by major global actors: the US and the EU. In that sense, Dr. Goksel pointed out that the “Turkish Model” namely more sympathetic way to make sure the MENA reaches the point of Western modernity. Turkish model applied as a smoke screen in this context.

This study has argued that the 2011 uprisings in the MENA did not only challenge authoritarianism at the national level but also constituted a broad anti-systemic revolt – in the manner of the 1968 left-wing youth revolts – that posed a significant challenge to the neoliberal market-oriented global modernity designed by Western actors such as the USA and the EU.

Eurocentric narratives such as the globalization thesis and the Turkish model assume the globalization discourse based on capitalist and democratic modernity, but it is not known if the MENA societies desire this direction.

In order to develop a generalizable understanding of modernization in the MENA region and beyond, the Eurocentrism of mainstream literature needs to be replaced with more flexible frameworks such as the ones developed in recent years by the proponents of post-colonialism, the multiple modernities paradigm, and the uneven and combined development theory.

JEAN MONNET CHAIR COAWARE – GUEST LECTURE
28 June 2021, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University, Zoom Webinar
41 attendees

Turkey at a Migration Crossroads: Source, Destination and Transit

Dr. Zeynep Selen Artan – Bayhan, Assistant Professor at Istanbul 29 Mayıs University

Moderator: Oğuzhan Barçın, Assistant to the Jean Monnet Chair, Master’s Student in PolSci.

On 28 June 2021, the fifteenth Jean Monnet Chair COAWARE event was organised as a guest lecture by Dr. Zeynep Selen Artan – Bayhan entitled as “Turkey at a Migration Crossroads: Source, Destination and Transit”

This seminar explored the history of migratory movements from and to Turkey over a period of sixty years. In the 1960s, Turkey became one of the source countries sending labour migrants to the main industrial capitals of Europe. As migratory routes evolved after the end of the Cold War and due to rapid globalization, Turkey transitioned into a country of destination from the 1990s onwards. Over the last decade or so, rising levels of high-skilled migration to Europe has placed Turkey at a migration crossroads as a country of source, destination and transit.

Cooperation with high schools:

On 3 March 2021, Jean Monnet Professor Dr. Özgür Ünal – Eriş as an alumni of Robert College was a guest speaker at the webinar on EU and Turkey – EU relations organised by Robert College European Youth Parliament Club.

Within the scope of Tink Schools and Jean Monnet Chair COAWARE Webinar Series, which are held on 4-11-18 and 25 March 2021, Jean Monnet Professor Dr. Özgür Ünal Eriş and team members Prof. Dr. Michelangelo Guida, Dr. Oğuzhan Göksel and Dr. Z. Selen Artan – Bayhan have had detailed conversations and shared their views on the History of the European Union and Turkey-EU Relations, Analysis of the Place of the EU in Turkish Political Life through Political Parties, Europeanization and the Image of Turkey in the European Media, and History of Migration in Turkey and EU Refugee Rights. With these webinars, it is aimed that young people have a detailed perspective on both the future of the EU and Turkey-EU relations in their minds.

On 20 April 2021, Jean Monnet Chair Prof. Dr. Özgür Ünal – Eriş and chair team member Dr. Zeynep Selen Artan – Bayhan came together with the students in cooperation with the Koç School European Parliament Club.

JEAN MONNET CHAIR COAWARE – SECOND YEARS’ KICK-OFF EVENT
15 November 2021, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University, Zoom Webinar
73 attendees

The Impact of Brexit on the EU and the UK

Dr. Alexandra Hennnessy, University of Essex

Prof. Rob Johns, University of Essex

Moderator: Prof. Özgür Ünal – Eriş, Jean Monnet Chair, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University

This event was a webinar with Dr. Alexandra Hennessy and Prof. Robert Johns from Department of Government, University of Essex. Speakers talked about the meaning of Brexit in detail and evaluate its outcome in terms of populism in Europe (mostly in Poland and Hungary case), conservative authoritarian – liberal nexus and Euroscepticism in the UK. They also evaluated how Brexit would continue to be influential on the EU’s strogness, and the people of Scotland and Northern Ireland feelings, its difficulties on borders and trade as well. In terms of Brexit, they pointed out the UK’s historical legacy, their belief of being global key player in the world, and its likely effects on voters.

JEAN MONNET CHAIR COAWARE – EXCLUSIVE ONLINE EVENT
30 November 2021, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University, Zoom Webinar
68 attendees

Italy- EU – Turkey: Opportunities and Relations

HE Ambassador Massimo Gaiani, Ambassador of Italy to Turkey

Moderator: Prof. Dr. Özgür Ünal – Eriş, Jean Monnet Chair, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University

Ambassador Gaiani reiterated that the relations and cooperation between Turkey and Italy have been excellent in history and at present, both on political and the economic levels. He pointed out that Turkey is an important partner not only for Italy but also for the European Union as a game-changer character with its multilateral approach after Covid-19. He thought that European Union came out stronger than ever.

In terms of EU-Turkey relations, Italy is continuosly favourable and definitely supports Turkish integration to the EU. It is often said Turkey is too big to be a part of the EU, he said, it is advantageous for both parties. Because of its young population and also agricultural production; it would be balanced. He added that Turkey plays an important role in the fight against crime, irregular migration, terrorism and many other regional problems. Here is the thing that Europe and others are not ready to such accession. The path should be continued, but this situation exists, there is no room to be demotivated, he said. He drew quite a lot of positive attention about integration path, and added that waves of scepticism, sovereignty, such people started again to see the EU’s capacity to response. In these times, it is a need to communicate in the ground of European values and contribute to Italy-Turkish relations in the sense of good partnership.

He pointed out Italy-Turkey are excellent in relations and essentially interconnected; very high-level and enlarged visits were signs of it. Italy is still the fifth partner and investor of Turkey globally in terms of trade flow. Italy buys goods from Turkey, partly in automotive, raw material, chemistry, he reiterated Turkey’s advanced infrastructure, labor force, large young population, and universities.; bilateral economic ties are very prominent, he put forward. Gaiani warned that Turkish companies should accelerate their preparations for the transformation to a green economy, and decarbonisation.

JEAN MONNET CHAIR COAWARE – EXCLUSIVE ONLINE EVENT
1 February 2022, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University, Zoom Webinar
56 attendees

Women in Diplomacy: In Conversation with Margot Wallström

Ms. Margot Wallström, Former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden

Moderator: Prof. Özgür Ünal – Eriş, Jean Monnet Chair, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University

Ms. Margot Wallström participated the first “Women in Diplomacy” event of projects’ second year and underlined the need of fully respect for women and human rights, and basically defended that women must have the same rights, obligations, and opportunities in terms of gender equality. “The first ministerial post that I had, I gave an importance to women representation in decision-making processes and society with the right proportion.”, she said.

Ms. Wallström looked at equal pay and work to get rid of differences in wages between men and women, “We want to create a new role for men in order to share the role in home and work, taking care of children.”, she said. She also had another post as an envoy on sexual violence in conflict in United Nations, basically she explained how progresses and resolutions are achieved in terms of gender-based violence under her post, and also she compared her UN experience with her EU post; gave some statistics and good examples of countries in Europe as well. Ms. Wallström said her UN mission provided a great chance to meet survivors of sexual violence, heard their voices and learnt so much from them.

During her appointment as Foreign Minister of Sweden, she pointed out their aim is to pursue Feminist Foreign Policy, she thought that it means “more women is more peace.” She strongly encouraged and supported the young females who want to be diplomats and get involved in peace negotiations, and mediations basically, and shared her experiences and knowledge during her diplomatic career. She said that they adopted some policies contributing to gender equality and the full enjoyment of human rights of all women and girls. She underlined three parameters to check how the women and girls’ empowerement is strengthened: rights, representation, and resources, and she urged solidarity against domestic violence, discrimination, and discussed the state of play of women in those countries like Russia, Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Türkiye’s decision upon the exit from Istanbul Convention. “We will still have so much to do for women, security and the peace agenda.”, she said.

JEAN MONNET CHAIR COAWARE – EXCLUSIVE ONLINE EVENT
8 February 2022, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University, Zoom Webinar
45 attendees

New Directions in EU Foreign Policy in the Light of Recent Challenges

Dr. Federica Bicchi, Associate Professor, The London School of Economics and PolS (LSE)

Moderator: Prof. Dr. Özgür Ünal – Eriş, Jean Monnet Chair, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University

Dr. Bicchi illustrated the EU’s interests and its reasons to take an assertive foreign policy initiative to be a global actor, also its priorities, responsiveness, communication and opportunities towards more effective foreign policy from the insights of recent developments and challenges; and the role of EEAS in this context.

In that sense, Dr. Bicchi underlined the institutional role and transformative impact of European External Action Service as a “pinnacle” of the European Commission during the recent foreign policy challenges of the EU, basically she said that EEAS is a form of new diplomacy and it is a place where interpersonal acquisation and important opportunities emerged, also added the importance of EU delegations.

She pointed out that the key challenge for EU’s foreign policy in recent times is the return of geopolitics and border politics. In the state of play, in Ukraine-Russia War especially, she underlined the role of the EU with its potential to be a global actor, but borders are still relevant, she said. In terms of Global Strategy, Dr. Bicchi evaluated the definition of EU’s strategic autonomy concept and “geopolitical Commission” discourse in terms of security, defence, and partnership especially with NATO, and also with neighboring countries.

She also attached importance to Digitalisation and EU’s pioneered efforts in terms of digitalisation from war to internet governance, in domestic purposes, also in foreign affairs. Dr. Bicchi concluded her presentation by evaluating the EU’s global actorness, especially in trade, in the light of current environment and challenges.

JEAN MONNET CHAIR COAWARE – EXCLUSIVE ONLINE EVENT
8 March 2022, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University, Zoom Webinar
75 attendees

Certificate of Participation arranged for all those attendees.

8 Mart Dünya Emekçi Kadınlar Günü: Diplomasi, Sanat ve İş Dünyasında Kadınlar (8 March International Women’s Day: Women in Diplomacy, Art and Business)

Ambassador (R) Zergün Korutürk, Retired Ambassador of Türkiye to Sweden

Duygu Alptekin Gürsu, MCC, ACPC, CTPC, Global Leadership and Executive Coach

Yeşim Özsoy, Writer, Director and Actress

Moderator: Prof. Özgür Ünal – Eriş, Jean Monnet Chair, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University

In the context of #InternationalWomensDay, the second event took place around three main themes in the second year of the project, our leading guests in diplomacy, art, and business shared their experiences that shaped their careers and successes with the audience.

Ret. Ambassador Zergün Korutürk underlined the wrong perception about women’s being too weak to play diplomatic roles by nature, compared to male diplomats, and it is normally possible that women can imply diplomatic tasks and can work at diplomatic missions successfully, “I think it is not about the development level of any country, it is about society’s mentality.”, she said. She pointed out the women participation in Turkish diplomatic service is relatively high which is approximately about %40. Duygu Alptekin Gürsu pointed out the male-constructed leadership criteria is not compatible with women’s efforts, and it is too wrong to estimate women leaders’ performance according to this criteria. In that sense, women should be aware and sustain their developments because women leadership is needed for all the companies in the world. She underlined the factors such as family, children, social circles make women’s participation low, for this reason, gender equality and cooperation between men and women are needed. “At the point of creativity and performance, it is necessary to rearrange roles of men and women, also balance work and social circle for women. It is important for encouragement to take strong female role models for women.” Yeşim Özsoy said.

The working language of this event was Turkish.

JEAN MONNET CHAIR COAWARE – EUROPE DAY 2022 EVENT
10-11 May 2022, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University, Zoom Webinar
291 attendees in total of two panels.
Certificate of Participation arranged for all those attendees.

The Role of European Union in the Post-Ukraine-Russia Conflict

Two-day panel of experts on 10-11 May 2022, 12.00-14.00 (CET) hours.

Hosted by Jean Monnet Chair on EU Awareness, Relations and Co-operation at Istanbul 29 Mayıs University under the framework of Europe Day 2022.

Live event via Zoom platform.

Programme

Panel I on Tuesday, 10 May 2022, 12.00-14.00 (CET)

12:00 Welcome and opening remarks by Prof. Dr. Özgür Ünal – Eriş, Jean Monnet Chair, Professor of European Politics, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University

SPEAKERS

  • Inna Sovsun, Member of Ukrainian Parliament, former Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, Senior Lecturer at National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy
  • Roman Petrov, Jean Monnet Chair in EU Law, Head of Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence in European Studies, Head of International and European Law Department, National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Ukraine’s EU accession process
  • Gerald Knaus, Chairman of European Stability Initiative (ESI), European future of Ukraine – What options exist?
  • Ellen Wasylina, Founder of Tradocéro Forum Institute, Sustainability Governance is Key to Geopolitical and Geoeconomic Stability in the Black Sea Region

MODERATOR

  • Dr. Özgür Ünal – Eriş, Jean Monnet Chair, Professor of European Politics, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University

Panel II on Wednesday, 11 May 2022, 12.00-14.00 (CET)

SPEAKERS

  • Thomas de Waal, Carnegie Europe, The EU’s Neighbourhood and the Ukraine War
  • Monika Sus, Associate Professor at the Polish Academy of Sciences and Fellow at the Centre for International Security at the Hertie School, EU’s Response to the War and the EU’s Strategic Compass
  • Bahadır Kaleağası, President of Institut du Bosphore, Turkey’s Role in the New Order after the War and Ukraine’s Relationship with the European Union
  • Radu Magdin, CEO of Smartlink Communications, Romanian Strategic Perspectives in the new Ukranian War Context

MODERATOR

  • Dr. Özgür Ünal – Eriş, Jean Monnet Chair, Professor of European Politics, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University

14:00 Closing remarks by Prof. Dr. Özgür Ünal – Eriş, Jean Monnet Chair, Professor of European Politics, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University

The working language: English

Our panelists Inna Sovsun, Gerald Knaus, Ellen Wasylina, and Professor Roman Petrov shared their insights on sustainable governance in Black Sea region, Ukranian accession to the EU and the uncertainties within the scope of post-conflict.

Our second-day panelists Dr. Monika Sus, Thomas de Waal, Dr. Bahadır Kaleağası and Radu Magdin have touched upon the EU’s Strategic Compass, and highlighted an understanding on the response and impacts throughout the EU’s neighbourhood and Turkey’s important position as a middle-power.

This event chaired by Prof. Dr. Özgür Ünal-Eriş, Jean Monnet Chair at Istanbul 29 Mayıs University.

JEAN MONNET CHAIR COAWARE – CLOSING EVENT OF SECOND YEAR
13 June 2022, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University, Zoom Webinar
38 attendees
Certificate of Participation arranged for all those attendees.

Türkiye – EU Relations in the Changing Security Framework: Perspective of Austria

HE Ambassador Ozan Ceyhun, Ambassador of Türkiye to Austria

Moderator: Prof. Özgür Ünal – Eriş, Jean Monnet Chair, Istanbul 29 Mayıs University

At the last Jean Monnet Chair event of this academic year, HE Ozan Ceyhun, Ambassador of Türkiye to Austria evaluated the likely effects of the Ukraine-Russia War on Türkiye-EU relations and Austria’s perspective on Türkiye’s integration into the EU, with the recent changes in bilateral relations. Ambassador Ceyhun underlined the need for a positive agenda, recent developments in bilateral cooperation and search for dialogue between two countries.

At the meeting, where Turkey-Austria relations were also discussed in the historical context, it was conveyed to the audience that there was not as much a negative past as the perception created, currently there are some areas where cooperation is realized, especially in areas such as police departments, Ambassador Ceyhun added. In addition to this, Ambassador Ceyhun stated that Austria supports the peace efforts and the platforms created by Türkiye, such as the Istanbul Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, and drew attention to the recent high-level telephone conversations between Turkish and Austrian authorities.

GUEST LECTURES:

  • Saturday, 25 December 2021: The Impact of the EU on Conservative and Islamist Political Ideas: A Story of Dubiety, Passion and Disillusion, Michelangelo Guida (29 attendees)
  • Saturday, 8 January 2022: The Muslim World & The Construction of Europeanness, Oğuzhan Göksel (24 attendees)
  • Friday, 18 March 2022: Women’s Movement in Turkey: Late Ottoman and Early Republican Periods, Selen Artan (37 attendees)
  • Friday, 29 April 2022: Europe and Ottoman Modernization: Colonial Periphery or Uneven Development, Oğuzhan Göksel (27 attendees)
  • Friday, 20 May 2022: The Image of Europe in the Main Turkish Political Ideologies, Michelangelo Guida (59 attendees, Certificate of Participation arranged)
  • Friday, 10 June 2022: European Influence on Late Ottoman Period, Özgür Ünal – Eriş (63 attendees, Certificate of Participation arranged)
  • Friday, 10 June 2022: The Image of “New Turkey” in the Eyes of EU Media, Oğuzhan Göksel (48 attendees, Certificate of Participation arranged)
  • Friday, 10 June 2022: Turkey at a Migration Crossroads: Source, Destination and Transit, Selen Artan (47 attendees, Certificate of Participation arranged)
  • Friday, 10 June 2022: The Narratives of Turkish Model & The Arab Spring in European Media, Oğuzhan Göksel (28 attendees, Certificate of Participation arranged)

OTHER ACTIVITIES:

  • As a Jean Monnet Chairholder, Professor Özgür Ünal-Eriş contributed Council of International Relations in Türkiye / Uluslararası İlişkiler Konseyi (UİK)’s blog UİK Panorama with her piece “14 March 2021 Election Analysis in Germany: Baden-Württemburg and Rheinland-Pfalz State Elections” on 17 April 2021. Accessed at: https://www.uikpanorama.com/blog/2021/04/17/14-mart-2021-baden-wurttemberg-ve-rheinland-pfalz-eyaletlerinin-secim-analizi/
  • Jean Monnet Professor Özgür Ünal – Eriş participated EUROPolitika Journal Workshop II with her presentation entitled “Avrupa Birliği’nde Paradigma Kayması/Paradigm Change in the European Union” on 17 April 2021. Accessed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4789tMguGk
  • Jean Monnet Professor Dr. Özgür Ünal – Eriş delivered a speech at the web-panel “70 Years of EU-Integration-EU Enlargement Policy towards Türkiye” organized by SETA Foundation on 10 May 2022. Accessed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIesAQWfAuk
  • As a Jean Monnet Chairholder, Professor Özgür Ünal – Eriş appeared on TV programmes for 28 times from 11 May 2021 to 25 October 2022 at various Turkish national TV channels. (EKOTÜRK, CNN Türk, TVNet, Ülke TV)
  • Jean Monnet Professor Dr. Özgür Ünal – Eriş published an article entitled “Securitisation of Migration Revisited: European Union Policies Through the Lens of Syrian Refugees in Turkey” in Siyasal Dergisi with Pelin Sönmez from Kocaeli University. Can be found in: https://iupress.istanbul.edu.tr/en/journal/jps/article/securitisation-of-migration-revisited-european-union-policies-through-the-lens-of-syrian-refugees-living-in-turkey
  • In the context of Conference on Future of Europe, Directorate for EU Affairs, Turkish MoFa organized sessions to discuss EU’s future with youth. With participation of HE Ambassador Faruk Kaymakcı, Deputy Minister of Turkish MoFA/Director for EU Affairs, as Jean Monnet Chairholder Professor Özgür Ünal – Eriş moderated the first session on 10 November 2021, Project Assistant Oğuzhan Barçın was the rapporteur. At the last session, Project Assistant Oğuzhan Barçın presented his contribution on 23 December 2021.
  • As a Jean Monnet Chairholder, Professor Özgür Ünal Eriş paid a visit to HE Ambassador Ozan Ceyhun, Ambassador of Türkiye to Austria on 18 November 2021, and paid a visit to HE Ambassador Vakur Erkul, Ambassador of Türkiye to Finland on 25 January 2022.
  • In the scope of Jean Monnet Chair COAWARE activities, on 01 December 2021, students met as online with experts from Directorate for EU Affairs, and they have been informed on College of Europe scholarships provided by Directorate for EU Affairs, Turkish MoFa. (31 attendees)
  • As keynote speaker, Jean Monnet Professor Özgür Ünal-Eriş participated in 1st International Conference on Public International Law (ICPIL-2021) organized by The School of Law, University of Gujrat on 14-15 December 2021.
  • On 17 December 2021, Jean Monnet Professor Özgür Ünal-Eriş participated New Year’s Reception gathered by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Türkiye.
  • On 10 January 2022, Jean Monnet Professor Özgür Ünal-Eriş gave a talk on migration at the conference organized by Istanbul Galata University in collaboration with New York City University entitled “International Conference on Society and Life” in which to exchange ideas on migration.
  • On 2 February 2022, Jean Monnet Professor Özgür Ünal – Eriş moderated an online event where participants discussed the UK’s relations with the EU after Brexit, entitled “Post-Brexit: Britain’s Relations with the EU: Old Challenges and the New Realities.”
  • Jean Monnet Professor Özgür Ünal-Eriş attended the event organized by Croatian Consulate in Istanbul in order to celebrate the 6 February when the Republic of Türkiye recognized the independence of the Republic of Croatia.
  • Project Assistant Oğuzhan Barçın attended an event “İstanbul Boğazı’ndaki Hırvatlar” organized by Croatian Consulate in Istanbul in order to celebrate the 6 February when the Republic of Türkiye recognized the independence of the Republic of Croatia.
  • On 25 March 2022 at Istanbul Altınbaş University, Jean Monnet Professor Özgür Ünal-Eriş gave a seminar on Turkey – EU Relations for the students of BİLGESAM (Wise People Center for Strategic Studies) Winter School.
  • As a Jean Monnet Chairholder, Professor Özgür Ünal-Eriş contributed Council of International Relations in Türkiye / Uluslararası İlişkiler Konseyi (UİK)’s blog UİK Panorama’s serie “Panorama Soruyor: Kolektif Çaresizlik? Rusya-Ukrayna Savaşı”. Accessed at: https://www.uikpanorama.com/blog/2022/04/20/ps-kolektif/
  • Just before the end of the academic year, students of Turkey-EU Relations at Istanbul 29 Mayıs University had a chance to visit Painting Museum with Prof. Özgür Ünal-Eriş. With this extracurricular activity, students have observed that how Turkish art is affected by Westernization experience.
  • As an alumna of Istanbul American Robert College, Jean Monnet Professor Özgür Ünal-Eriş gave a talk to the Robert College students about Russia-Ukraine War and Turkey and EU’s role in this context on 25 May 2022.
  • On 26 May 2022, Jean Monnet Professor Özgür Ünal-Eriş participated in Europe Day event of Akdeniz University and contributed to this event with Dr. Ivana Zerec, Consul General of Croatia in Istanbul
  • On 1 June 2022, Jean Monnet Chairholder Professor Özgür Ünal – Eriş and Project Assistant Oğuzhan Barçın participated an organization of Croatian Consulate Istanbul on the occasion of Croatian Statehood Day.
  • Jean Monnet Professor Özgür Ünal-Eriş spoke with Yusuf Ertuğral (Editor-in-Chief and Founder of EUROPolitika Journal). This interview focused on upcoming NATO summit and published on EUROPolitika Journal’s YouTube channel on 22 June 2022. Accessed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlLofhYzr-c
  • Head of Pol. Science and IR Department and Team Member Professor Michelangelo Guida interviewed Deniz Kilislioğlu from NTV Radio on Italian elections 2022 and its impact on Turkey – Italy relations.
  • Jean Monnet Professor Özgür Ünal-Eriş made her presentation titled “Securitization of Migration and Syrian Refugees through Media Analysis” at II. Migration Management and Humanitarian Workshop (26-28 September 2022) hosted by R.o.Tr Ministry of Interior, Presidency of Migration Management and UNHCR Türkiye.
  • Jean Monnet Professor Özgür Ünal-Eriş contributed to The Strategist’s October 2022 issue with her article titled “Turkey – EU Relations in Changing Geopolitical Parameters”.
  • Jean Monnet Professor Özgür Ünal-Eriş has participated in a round table discussion of LEAP Jean Monnet Nework Project’s two-day workshop (15-16 October 2022) titled “Contesting Europe at the Periphery”.
  • Jean Monnet Professor Özgür Ünal – Eriş contributed SETA Foundation’s “Experts Respond: European Political Community | Opportunities and Limitations” on 9 October 2022. Accessed at: https://www.setav.org/en/experts-respond-european-political-community-opportunities-and-limitations/
  • Head of Pol. Science and IR Deparment and Team Member Professor Michelangelo Guida wrote an article for SETA Foundation entitled “Giorgia Meloni and Italian Parliamentary Elections / Giorgia Meloni ve İtalya Parlamento Seçimleri”, published on 14 October 2022. Accessed at: https://www.setav.org/perspektif-giorgia-meloni-ve-italya-parlamento-secimleri/