Democracy, Conflict Resolution, Foreign Policy
IPC takes a broad approach to democracy studies, covering party politics, electoral processes, institutional resilience, democratic innovation, and inclusive governance. IPC’s work in the field of conflict resolution concentrates on peacebuilding, mediation, reconciliation, migration, and social cohesion, building on IPC’s extensive experience with the political and social aspects of conflict. The foreign policy component of this cluster includes Turkey’s international stance, regional security issues, and the effects of global geopolitical changes on both domestic and international governance. Through research, public events, and strategic partnerships with academics, policymakers, civil society, and international organizations, IPC’s work in this area aims to enhance democratic governance, support peaceful conflict resolution, and promote informed and principled foreign policy decision-making.
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Local Elections and “Nepotism” in Turkey
The IPM held a conference titled “Local Elections and Clientelism in Turkey” on March 14, 2014, at IPM Karaköy.
German-Turkish Round Table on International Affairs
Senior Scholar Bahri Yılmaz organized The German-Turkish Round Table, granted by Robert Bosch Foundation on the 15-16 th of December 2011 at the SWP in Berlin. 35 experts from Turkey and Germany were brought together to discuss “The Arab spring: Chances and challenges for the cooperation between Germany (EU) and Turkey in the transformation process.” The Round Table is an initiative that seeks to build bridges and promote dialogue between Germany and Turkey in areas of mutual international political and economic concerns.
Croatian and Turkish EU-Accession in Perspective
Istanbul Policy Center (IPC), the European Stability Initiative, and ERSTE Stiftung organized a film screening Twilight of Heroes – Croatia, Europe and the International Tribunal and subsequent panel discussion entitled "Croatian and Turkish EU-Accession in Perspective" on December 13, 2012.
14th Kronberg Talks: Europe Turkey and the Mediterranean – Fostering Cooperation and Strengthening Relations
IPC, in tandem with the Bertelsmann Stiftung in Germany, hosted the 14th Kronberg Talks at the Sakıp Sabancı Museum in Istanbul from May 14–16, 2012. The theme of the conference was “Europe, Turkey and the Mediterranean-Fostering Cooperation and Strengthening Relations.” In light of the recent developments in Iran, Syria, Iraq and the region as a whole, the talks explored Turkey’s role in the Arab transformation process, its unique position to act as a mediator in regional conflicts, and ascertained Turkish-EU common interests, such as migration and integration.
Free Speech in Turkey and the World with Timothy Garton Ash
IPC hosted a rare event that provided a closer look into the “Free Speech in Turkey and the World.” The renowned academic and public intellectual Timothy Garton Ash, who is also a professor at the University of Oxford and a regular contributor to the Guardian and the New York Review of Books, delivered the keynote speech. Ash elaborated on the impediments to the freedom of speech in Turkey and around the globe, and he shared his insight on removing those obstacles. IPC Senior Scholar Ayşe Kadıoğlu, who put together this timely event, chaired the expert panel, which featured Hasan Cemal (Milliyet), Yasemin İnceoğlu (Galatasaray University), and Halil Berktay (Sabancı University), and Kerem Öktem (Oxford University). The panel focused not only on the actual limits to free speech in Turkey, but also included a theoretical debate on the possible limits to free speech. The “Turkey Free Speech Debate” also introduced a new Oxford-based website on this issue. The website can be accessed at freespeechdebate.com.
2nd Aspen Bosphorus Dialogue: Double transition: Economics and politics across Europe and the Mediterranean
IPC in conjunction with the Aspen Institute Italia hosted the second Aspen Bosphorus Dialogue entitled “Double transition: Economics and politics across Europe and the Mediterranean” on March 2-4, 2012 in Istanbul. The participants of the conference discussed the overarching issues resulting from the relationship between the various actors in, as well as the transformation taking place throughout the region. The discussion over the future of the Eurozone highlighted the varying perspectives on how to address fiscal and budgetary issues, regulation of the banking system and disparities in competitiveness. It was observed that the current crisis has led the EU to become more introverted, while the role of Turkey is growing in importance. At this junction, the participants stressed the crucial need for new and pragmatic forms of cooperation between Brussels and Ankara on key issues such as energy, immigration, and security. In regard to the upheavals throughout the region, it was expressed that evolving states, rather than finding role models, such as Turkey, to emulate, countries of the region need to develop sensible solutions based on their own specific social and economic circumstances. In attendance were Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu, Turkish Economy Minister Ali Babacan, Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata, and Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt.