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202. Understanding China’s New Counterterrorism Ambitions in Africa
- Author:
- Jason Warner
- Publication Date:
- 08-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- CTC Sentinel
- Institution:
- The Combating Terrorism Center at West Point
- Abstract:
- China has recently been pursuing a much more aggressive stance in African security affairs, including playing a more engaged role in counterterrorism (CT). Where is China engaged in CT in Africa, and by what means? What challenges would China face in engaging more robustly in African CT? Most importantly, why is China newly expressing interest in engaging in the African CT landscape at this particular moment? In the main, this piece argues that despite ostensible rationales related to self-defense of economic interests and solidarity with African states, at its core, Beijing’s primary motivations for entering the African CT space are to diversify its means of influence in Africa beyond its historical “economics-first” approach. Recognizing that engaging in African CT is a high-risk but potentially high-reward activity (which other global powers have recently engaged in with mixed results), Beijing likely believes it has a new genre of CT assistance—less kinetic, more economic, and rooted in equitable partnerships—that represents a fundamentally new and productive means of gaining influence in Africa. Yet, China faces challenges in its African CT pursuits, including reconciling whether its cautious ethos can stomach the turbulent landscape of African terrorism; how to deal with a saturated African CT space; and how not to fall victim to the same pitfalls as other global powers that have recently engaged in African CT. Nevertheless, if China can prove that its cautious non-military-first approach is fundamentally different from existing CT value propositions from external states, Beijing could deeply rival, and potentially replace, Washington as the partner of choice for security cooperation in Africa.
- Topic:
- Security, Foreign Policy, Counter-terrorism, Strategic Competition, Foreign Influence, and Security Cooperation
- Political Geography:
- Africa, China, and Asia
203. Feature Commentary: Confronting Cartels: Military Considerations South of the Border
- Author:
- Brian Michael Jenkins
- Publication Date:
- 09-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- CTC Sentinel
- Institution:
- The Combating Terrorism Center at West Point
- Abstract:
- Possible U.S. military action against Mexico’s drug cartels poses unique challenges. The situation is complicated, and the United States must be prepared for possible counteractions. The cartels are not a single actor. If attacked, they may avoid direct confrontation, accepting temporary losses, anticipating that the United States will not sustain a long campaign. Or Mexico’s cartels may respond violently, exploiting U.S. vulnerabilities in Mexico—and possibly north of the border. The government of Mexico is a separate actor. It can assist or undermine U.S. efforts. Past government campaigns against the cartels led to soaring rates of criminal violence. Chaos in Mexico could have serious implications for U.S. homeland security. The United States needs a ‘Red Team’ to examine a range of scenarios. The article proceeds in six parts: Part I contrasts recent U.S. military actions in Yemen and Iran with possible military action in Mexico. Part II examines perceptions of the threat. Part III examines how the history of U.S.-Mexico relations will shape the battlefield. Part IV reviews our own experience in combating foreign drug traffickers, offering some preliminary takeaways. Part V examines possible options. Part VI looks at how the cartels might react, how the United States might be forced to respond—and how other adversaries of the United States might attempt to exploit the situation.
- Topic:
- Counter-terrorism, Borders, Organized Crime, Cartels, and Military Operations
- Political Geography:
- Latin America, North America, Mexico, and United States of America
204. Uzbek Foreign Fighter Groups in the Syrian Jihad: The Evolution of KIB and KTJ from 2011 through 2025
- Author:
- Kathleen Collins
- Publication Date:
- 09-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- CTC Sentinel
- Institution:
- The Combating Terrorism Center at West Point
- Abstract:
- The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime to the forces of Hayat Tahir al-Sham (HTS) revealed the ongoing significance of multiple foreign fighter groups in Syria. These militias were instrumental in supporting HTS during its campaign for Damascus last fall. Two primarily ethnic Uzbek fighter groups that originated in Central Asia were prominent among them: the Imam Bukhari Battalion (Katibat Imam al-Bukhari, KIB) and the Tavhid and Jihad Battalion (Katibat Tavhid va Jihod, KTJ). Each had pledged allegiance to al-Qa`ida and fought alongside al-Qa`ida’s Syrian branch Jabhat al-Nusra. Each remained closely connected to al-Qa`ida even after al-Nusra rebranded as HTS. This article traces the origins and development of these Uzbek-led militias and argues that they constitute a resilient force of battle-hardened fighters, demonstrating remarkable staying power in Syria. Furthermore, this article demonstrates that KIB and KTJ still embrace a salafi-jihadi ideology and goals. It also emphasizes KIB’s and KTJ’s ongoing ties to al-Qa`ida and the Taliban and recommends that policymakers and counterterrorism experts consider the implications of their continued presence in Syria under the new regime, as well as the potential consequences if they leave Syria.
- Topic:
- Counter-terrorism, Syrian War, Jihad, Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), and Foreign Fighters
- Political Geography:
- Middle East and Syria
205. Commentary: The Dangers of Overreliance on Generative AI in the CT Fight
- Author:
- Nicholas Clark
- Publication Date:
- 08-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- CTC Sentinel
- Institution:
- The Combating Terrorism Center at West Point
- Abstract:
- The explosive rise in generative artificial intelligence (AI) use has sparked debate over its applicability in military domains such as counterterrorism (CT). This article critically evaluates the role of large language models (LLMs) in CT, arguing that their utility remains limited and potentially detrimental when applied indiscriminately. After providing a high-level overview of the mathematical foundations of LLMs, the article demonstrates how these tools can produce misleading or confidently incorrect outputs. Through case studies and empirical findings, this article underscores the cognitive risks of overreliance on AI in CT planning and intelligence operations, including reduced analytical engagement and inhibited creativity among operators. While generative AI may assist in automating routine tasks, it lacks the capacity for nuanced judgment, uncertainty quantification, and dynamic responsiveness critical to effective CT work. The article concludes by advocating for a shift in focus toward enhancing education in probabilistic reasoning, such as Bayesian inference, and building robust data governance infrastructures. Such foundational improvements are prerequisites for any effective or responsible integration of AI into CT domains.
- Topic:
- Counter-terrorism, Artificial Intelligence, and Large Language Models (LLMs)
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
206. Moving Targets: Implications of the Russo-Ukrainian War for Drone Terrorism
- Author:
- David Hambling
- Publication Date:
- 07-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- CTC Sentinel
- Institution:
- The Combating Terrorism Center at West Point
- Abstract:
- Small and commercially available drones in the hands of violent extremists pose a rapidly growing terrorist threat. This article examines that threat in the light of the invasion of Ukraine. Consumer drones such as DJI Mavics, FPV racing drones, and Shahed-style one-way attack drones have become potent weapons. Their affordability, accessibility, and adaptability enable precision strikes, bypass traditional defenses, and democratize air power for state and non-state actors alike. This article details how these drones have been used in Ukraine—from grenade-dropping quadcopters to long-range strategic attacks—and highlights their potential adoption by violent extremist organizations (VEOs). The second part of the article assesses the implications for global counterterrorism, emphasizing the psychological impact, scalability, and low operational risk of drone attacks. It concludes by outlining countermeasures, including electronic jamming, physical barriers, kinetic interception, and the growing role of drone-on-drone defense, urging a comprehensive and adaptive response to this multifaceted and accelerating threat.
- Topic:
- Science and Technology, Counter-terrorism, Drones, Innovation, Armed Conflict, and Russia-Ukraine War
- Political Geography:
- Russia, Europe, Eurasia, and Ukraine
207. Tehran’s Homeland Option: Terror Pathways for Iran to Strike in the United States
- Author:
- Matthew Levitt
- Publication Date:
- 08-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- CTC Sentinel
- Institution:
- The Combating Terrorism Center at West Point
- Abstract:
- The 12-day Iran war may be over, but the threat of Iranian reprisal attacks now looms large, and will for the foreseeable future. European authorities exposed plots in Sweden and Germany even as the war was being waged, and Israeli authorities issued a warning over potential attacks in the United Arab Emirates a couple of weeks later, specifically citing heightened concerns in the wake of the war with Iran. Iranian operatives or their agents could also attempt to carry out attacks inside the United States, leveraging what U.S. counterterrorism officials have describe as a “homeland option” developed over years. Given the U.S. role in bombing the Fordow nuclear complex, it should not be a surprise that U.S. authorities quickly issued a terrorism advisory warning of potential Iranian plots in the homeland. Drawing on past cases of Iranian plots in the United States and elsewhere, this article explores the primary pathways available to Iran conduct or enable a terrorism act in the United States. These include deploying Iranian agents, criminal surrogates, terrorist proxies, or actively seeking to inspire lone offenders to carry out attacks within the homeland.
- Topic:
- Terrorism, Counter-terrorism, Armed Conflict, and Regional Security
- Political Geography:
- Iran, Middle East, Israel, Palestine, North America, and United States of America
208. Militant Violence in Jammu and Kashmir Post-Abrogation of Article 370
- Author:
- Animesh Roul
- Publication Date:
- 09-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- CTC Sentinel
- Institution:
- The Combating Terrorism Center at West Point
- Abstract:
- This article presents a chronological and thematic analysis of militant violence in Jammu and Kashmir from the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution in August 2019 to July 2025. It traces three distinct phases: an initial decline in attacks due to lockdowns and security restrictions (2019-2020); a resurgence marked by hybrid militancy, targeted killings, and intimidation of civilians (2021-2023); and a lethal escalation involving high-profile and audacious assaults, intensified counterterrorism operations, and cross-border tensions (2024-2025). The April 2025 Pahalgam massacre—which killed 26 people, mostly Hindus—marked a turning point, prompting India’s limited military offensive Operation Sindoor against militant bases in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, followed by Operation Mahadev to track and eliminate the militants involved in the violence. The article examines these developments to assess the evolving threat, highlighting how militancy has shifted toward hybrid façade units backed by Pakistan-based legacy terror groups.
- Topic:
- Security, Terrorism, Territorial Disputes, Violence, and Armed Conflict
- Political Geography:
- Pakistan, India, and Jammu and Kashmir
209. A View from the CT Foxhole: James Stack, Director, Great Plains Diagnostic Network
- Author:
- Don Rassler and Kristina Hummel
- Publication Date:
- 08-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- CTC Sentinel
- Institution:
- The Combating Terrorism Center at West Point
- Abstract:
- James Stack, Ph.D., is an internationally recognized leader in the field of plant biosecurity. A professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at Kansas State University since 2003, Dr. Stack provided leadership in the development of the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN) and became regional director of the Great Plains Diagnostic Network (GPDN), one of the five regional networks, soon after it was formed. From 2006 to 2008, he served as the director of KSU’s Biosecurity Research Institute, a biocontainment facility for plant, animal, and human health. Dr. Stack’s research focuses on genome-informed diagnostics for plant-pathogenic bacteria to the subspecific and population levels of discrimination, as well as research on the epidemiology and ecology of toxigenic fungi and bacteria. He speaks regularly on plant biosecurity topics, to include at the U.S. Naval War College and the National Academy of Sciences, among other forums.
- Topic:
- National Security, Science and Technology, Terrorism, Biosecurity, and Interview
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
210. The Changing Character of Terrorism and U.S. Counterterrorism
- Author:
- Don Rassler, Kristina Hummel, Brian Dodwell, and Ned Curry
- Publication Date:
- 12-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- CTC Sentinel
- Institution:
- The Combating Terrorism Center at West Point
- Abstract:
- The competition between terror movements and counterterrorism forces is an interactive and iterative game, as the actions taken by one side are designed to defeat, circumvent, or shape the activity taken by the opposing players. To better understand these interactive dynamics, it is important to evaluate how terrorism and counterterrorism have been evolving. This article first takes high-level stock of how the spread, structure, scale, and speed of terrorism have been changing in recent years and highlights key challenges and implications for counterterrorism. It then evaluates the United States’ ongoing effort to find a sustainable counterterrorism path, a journey that has been filled with challenges, benefits, dilemmas, and opportunities, and discusses how key factors have been shaping the direction, reach, and pace of change. An important takeaway from these reviews is that while the threat of international terrorism is not what it used to be, there is a lot of change occurring across the terrorism landscape. U.S. counterterrorism has also been undergoing some important shifts, and there are open questions about whether U.S. CT forces and assets will be spread further. If not managed carefully, change taking place across these two ‘systems’ could interact in ways that may disrupt CT progress.
- Topic:
- National Security, Terrorism, and Counter-terrorism
- Political Geography:
- North America and United States of America
211. The Best of Times, the Worst of Times: The Repressed Islamic State Affiliates
- Author:
- Daniel Milton
- Publication Date:
- 12-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- CTC Sentinel
- Institution:
- The Combating Terrorism Center at West Point
- Abstract:
- It has been more than 10 years since Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi ascended the pulpit in the al-Nuri mosque to announce that the group known as the Islamic State had, at least in its own eyes, fulfilled the requirement to become a caliphate. In doing so, he opened an era of expansion for the Islamic State in which it welcomed numerous affiliates into its fold from all over the world. While some of those affiliates remain to this day, others appear to have faded away, at least when it comes to carrying out operations. This article explores these “repressed” affiliates in an effort to provide a brief overview of potential reasons behind their decline. The stories of each of these affiliates contain both similarities and differences. The repression of Islamic State affiliates seems to be the result of a combination of factors, ranging from military power of external actors to in-group conflict to an inability to gain a foothold among a target population. The importance of nuanced counterterrorism efforts, as opposed to a one-size-fits-all approach, is the main takeaway of this analysis.
- Topic:
- Violent Extremism, Counter-terrorism, and Islamic State
- Political Geography:
- Iraq, Middle East, and Syria
212. Foreign Terrorist Fighters: A Threat in Stasis
- Author:
- Kim Cragin
- Publication Date:
- 12-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- CTC Sentinel
- Institution:
- The Combating Terrorism Center at West Point
- Abstract:
- This article examines the historical trajectory of “foreign terrorist fighters” associated with the Islamic State and its antecedents, al-Qa`ida and the Arab Afghans. The article argues that the threat of foreign fighters today is best understood as being in stasis. Foreign fighters continue to pursue external operations against the West. They also transfer new tactics, techniques, and procedures between conflict zones. These patterns are not new. Beyond these historical patterns, foreign terrorist fighters have become increasingly adept at reaching out to new sympathizers and serving as interlocutors between Islamic State affiliates in conflict zones and their sympathizers. FTFs also have utilized end-to-end encryption technologies, generative artificial intelligence, and cryptocurrencies to magnify their impact. Nevertheless, it is not yet time for alarm. Countries have strengthened their laws, intelligence-sharing, and law enforcement coordination over the past decade. If governments continue to build on this collective effort and devote resources toward mitigating foreign fighter flows, the threat should remain in stasis.
- Topic:
- Terrorism, Counter-terrorism, Al Qaeda, Islamic State, and Foreign Fighters
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
213. Are International Institutions/Organizations Useful for Maintaining Peace and Harmony? An Analysis in Combination with a Case Study on the Conflict in Ukraine
- Author:
- Fabian Boettcher
- Publication Date:
- 03-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Polish Political Science Yearbook
- Institution:
- Polish Political Science Association (PPSA)
- Abstract:
- February 24, 2022: Russian forces start the full-scale invasion of Ukraine under the orders of Russian President Putin. Since then, our world has been in turmoil; what seemed certain for years is not certain. After the end of the Second World War, the World Powers established international organizations to prevent that amount of suffering from happening again. Are international organizations useful for maintaining peace? This research essay is going to address the question based on available literature and internet news sources to draw some tangible conclusions and perhaps even to suggest some improvements on how international organizations will be able to stay relevant for global peace in the future. The War in Ukraine will serve as a case study in the essay’s second half. The reader will learn that international organizations have performed well in their functions, that Western nations did things wrong in handling the Ukrainian crisis, and that organizations like NATO got a new drive and purpose courtesy of the Russian aggression. Most importantly, the reader will learn that argumentations on the demise of the liberal world order are premature at best.
- Topic:
- International Relations, NATO, International Organization, United Nations, European Union, and Russia-Ukraine War
- Political Geography:
- Russia, Europe, and Ukraine
214. From Wałęsa to Rivlin: An Overview of Challenges and Controversies in Polish-Israeli Relations in the Post-Cold War Period Within a Bi – and Multilateral Dimension
- Author:
- Justyna Łapaj-Kucharska
- Publication Date:
- 03-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Polish Political Science Yearbook
- Institution:
- Polish Political Science Association (PPSA)
- Abstract:
- The centuries-long coexistence of the Polish and Jewish nations gives Polish-Israeli relations specificity and unique character. One can state that there is an emotional bond between these nations, which shaped interstate relations in the post-Cold War period, simultaneously facilitating and hindering their progress. The article reviews the most critical challenges and controversies surrounding building state relations between Poland and Israel after the Cold War. It also analyzed how selected historical events related to the coexistence of the Polish and Jewish nations influenced later Polish-Israeli relations. The work summary included recommendations for further actions to develop interstate relations further. The present research uses investigative methods and techniques in the field of social sciences, such as documentary analysis and review of official statements from politicians, analysis of primary literary sources, the decisional method, secondary analysis of quantitative research, and deduction. Due to the formal constraints of this article, the author has selected the issues that have emerged in Polish-Israeli dialogue within a state context, emphasizing political relations.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Bilateral Relations, and Post-Cold War
- Political Geography:
- Europe, Middle East, Israel, Poland, and Palestine
215. The International Community in the Face of Intensified Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon During the Presidency of Jair Bolsonaro
- Author:
- Anna Sakson-Boulet
- Publication Date:
- 03-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Polish Political Science Yearbook
- Institution:
- Polish Political Science Association (PPSA)
- Abstract:
- Since the 1950s, when the deliberate settlement of the Amazon began, with a rapid influx of people, the Brazilian Amazon has faced various threats because of the demands associated with unsustainable economic development. During the presidency of Jair Bolsonaro, environmental policies were marginalized, including through the legislative and regulatory dismantling of forest protection and the financial sapping of environmental institutions, which favored uncontrolled logging of equatorial forests. Therefore, deforestation increased yearly during the Bolsonaro administration, accompanied by increased greenhouse gas emissions. That is why the article aims to answer the question of what role the international community can play in protecting the Amazon rainforest, given its essential role in regulating the climate regionally and globally. The research methods include formal institutional analysis of relevant legal documents and decision analysis. The research and analysis of states’ individual and collective actions lead to the conclusion that economic pressure has been applied to influence the Bolsonaro administration.
- Topic:
- Climate Change, International Community, Jair Bolsonaro, and Deforestation
- Political Geography:
- Brazil, South America, and Amazon Basin
216. The Biden Administration’s New Industrial Policy: Domestic and International Implications
- Author:
- Barbara Regulska-Ingielewicz
- Publication Date:
- 03-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Polish Political Science Yearbook
- Institution:
- Polish Political Science Association (PPSA)
- Abstract:
- The article aims to analyze new industrial policy based on the example of actions taken by the Joe Biden administration. Their essence is transforming the economy in line with climate goals while stimulating development. The paper will present the main assumptions of the United States’ green industrial policy, its goals, and international implications, which indicate that it is characterized by economic nationalism. The article attempts to answer three main research questions: What is the essence of the new industrial policy? What are the goals of the new industrial policy initiated by the Joe Biden administration? What are the expected international implications of this policy? Answers to the above questions will enable verification of the hypothesis, which states that the Joe Biden administration has initiated a new industrial policy in the spirit of state interventionism based on new environmental protection assumptions. Its goal is to give the U.S. economy new pro-development impulses and increase its competitiveness. The first part of the paper will present assumptions of the new industrial policy, then the goals and measures of the new United States industrial policy, and the third part will show the international implications of the above policy.
- Topic:
- Climate Change, Industrial Policy, Economic Growth, Joe Biden, Green Transition, Green Economy, and Economic Nationalism
- Political Geography:
- North America and United States of America
217. Ten Years of China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Central Asia: The Critical Assessment and Future Directions
- Author:
- Elżbieta Proń
- Publication Date:
- 03-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Polish Political Science Yearbook
- Institution:
- Polish Political Science Association (PPSA)
- Abstract:
- This paper looks at how China’s use of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in its policy towards Central Asia (CA) has changed since 2013 and what this change signalizes regarding China’s use of the BRI at international forums. To answer these research questions, the paper focuses on Central Asia – once dubbed “the first strand of the BRI” (R. Pantucci); the region where China has “tested” many institutions of its international engagement; and where the BRI was introduced in 2013. To answer the research questions, this study draws from analyzing literature and sources in Russian, Chinese, English, and Polish. This study is primarily empirically oriented. This study finds that at its 10, the BRI will focus on connectivity, clean energy, and new technologies. It also finds that despite the high profile of the Green BRI and many relevant agreements, only a fraction of projects are branded “Green BRI.” It thus argues that the BRI has served as a legitimizing “umbrella” label for various Chinese policy initiatives, which are realized via other cooperation formats.
- Topic:
- Economics, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Renewable Energy, and Silk Road
- Political Geography:
- China and Central Asia
218. Indonesia in the Face of the Death Penalty – Hopes Versus Reality
- Author:
- Maria Ochwat
- Publication Date:
- 03-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Polish Political Science Yearbook
- Institution:
- Polish Political Science Association (PPSA)
- Abstract:
- The right to life, without a doubt, is the most essential right of every human being. Protection and respect for this right is a prerequisite for enjoying and realizing other rights guaranteed to the individual. However, it is not an absolute right, but one that, under various circumstances, can be restricted. One such restriction is the death penalty. Many countries have decided to abolish it; however, only three countries in Southeast Asia, namely Cambodia, the Philippines, and East Timor, have decided. While Indonesia guarantees the right to life, it does allow the death penalty. Although the death penalty has not been carried out for several years, the death penalty has been retained in the criminal code, and courts continue to award it. The public (especially the young) is increasingly advocating its complete abolition, but those in power do not seem interested. The death penalty is also left in the new criminal code. This article is about the death penalty in Indonesia. The author also decided to survey Indonesian students to find out their attitudes toward the death penalty.
- Topic:
- Public Opinion, Prisons/Penal Systems, Death Penalty, and Right to Life
- Political Geography:
- Indonesia and Southeast Asia
219. Realism in International Trade Relations: Limiting Judicial Activism
- Author:
- Dmytro Skrynka
- Publication Date:
- 03-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Polish Political Science Yearbook
- Institution:
- Polish Political Science Association (PPSA)
- Abstract:
- he WTO dispute settlement system crisis is an important milestone in the history of international law. Since the realist school in the study of international relations is known for its attention to the limits of the functions of international law, it is quite appropriate to review the key concepts of the realist school relevant to the current crisis. The ambitious endeavor to minimize the use of political methods of dispute settlement in international trade disputes within the institutional system of the WTO has not been quite successful. As postulated by realists, the political processes prevailed over the international legal procedures. In this article, based on the realist approach, the causes of the stalemate of the WTO dispute settlement system are analyzed, and recommendations are presented for remedying the current situation. The comparative analysis method is used for this. The article translates the relevant concepts of international relations by key realists, including the classification of international disputes by Hans Morgenthau, into specific recommendations for resolving the ongoing crisis.
- Topic:
- International Relations, International Trade and Finance, Realism, Dispute Resolution, and Judicial Activism
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
220. The Bay of Bengal Countries’ Domestic and Regional Sources of Maritime Governance Concepts in the 21st Century
- Author:
- Tomasz Łukaszuk
- Publication Date:
- 12-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Polish Political Science Yearbook
- Institution:
- Polish Political Science Association (PPSA)
- Abstract:
- The primary aim of the article is to analyse domestic and regional sources of maritime governance in the Bay of Bengal in the 21st century from a constructivist viewpoint. It offers a comparative examination of domestic and external factors shaping maritime governance in the region, illustrating how Kantian-style anarchy prevails over Hobbesian and Lockean models. The article explores the roots of the maritime culture of sharing, cooperation, and trade in the Bay of Bengal, which stems from Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim traditions and aligns with the Kantian model. The recognition of the agency of seas and oceans by Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand is analysed within the context of natural disasters and their role in safeguarding the security of the Sea Lanes of Communication. They regard the sea as an integral and objective part of their lives, intertwined with the fabric of maritime societies. Despite the political diversity in the region, domestic and regional factors play a crucial and positive role in shaping maritime policies, fostering confidence in the importance of developing international cooperation in the maritime sector. The article is divided into four sections. The first – introduction – outlines the main ideas, research questions, hypotheses, and the structure of the article. The following section explains the conceptual framework, presenting the constructivist perspective on anarchy in international relations and its relevance to the maritime domain. The third section provides a detailed analysis of regional and domestic influences on the maritime domain and maritime governance concepts in the Bay of Bengal, offering a thorough understanding of the topic. Finally, the article concludes by summarizing all assumptions and addressing the research questions.
- Topic:
- Security, Governance, Maritime, and Blue Economy
- Political Geography:
- Bay of Bengal
221. Nile’s Flow of Tensions: The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and Its Impact on Ethiopian-Sudanese Relations
- Author:
- Hanna Rubinkowska-Anioł and Nagmeldin Karamalla-Gaiballa
- Publication Date:
- 09-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Polish Political Science Yearbook
- Institution:
- Polish Political Science Association (PPSA)
- Abstract:
- Over the last decade, the Ethiopian project of constructing a dam on the Blue Nile (Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, GERD) close to its border with Sudan resulted in creating serious political tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia, with Sudan being involved. Egypt is accusing Ethiopia of attempts to control the water of the Nile, while Ethiopia claims that the power produced by the dam will contribute to the well-being of Ethiopia and its neighbors, most importantly, Sudan. Among many aspects and layers from which the problem of the Nile’s waters and the construction of GERD can be analyzed, there are disputed areas on the Sudanese-Ethiopian border. They are claimed by Sudan on the grounds of breaking the rule of the 1902 treaty, giving the lands to Ethiopia under the condition of not interfering in the flow of the river. This article examines the GERD project and explores in depth the historical, political, and economic significance of the Ethiopian-Sudanese border, with a particular focus on its implications for relations between the two neighboring countries. The article also discusses key issues related to water resource management, historical land disputes, and the geopolitical dynamics of the region, providing a comprehensive historical and contemporary context.
- Topic:
- Treaties and Agreements, Bilateral Relations, Water, and Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)
- Political Geography:
- Africa, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Nile River
222. Anti-Terrorism Prevention in the Police: Theory and Practice
- Author:
- Marek Cupryjak, Marek Stefański, and Radosław Zych
- Publication Date:
- 12-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Polish Political Science Yearbook
- Institution:
- Polish Political Science Association (PPSA)
- Abstract:
- The purpose of this study was to analyse police services in terms of their preparedness to counter terrorist threats. The authors considered that one of the main areas of the research subject in the paper is the relationship between public needs and expectations and the functioning of the police and other entities of the anti-terrorist system in terms of the sense of public security. An essential part of the paper is the presented and discussed results of scientific research on preparing police services to counter terrorist threats. The conducted research clearly indicates that conducting anti-terrorism prevention training is necessary, first and foremost, in the basic professional courses of police officers, as well as in in-service training. It is better to prevent than to be surprised by a terrorist attack, which brings death, destruction, trauma, and tragedy for all those affected. Therefore, every police officer should have a basic knowledge of anti-terrorism prevention issues. The authors include the most important proposals for improving the anti-terrorist system of the Republic of Poland in the conclusions. The most important ones included: efforts should be made to continuously improve the level of training of Polish police officers and officers of counterterrorist formations. These trainings should be organized with the use of instructors and specialists from the world’s leading counter-terrorist units.
- Topic:
- Terrorism, Counter-terrorism, Homeland Security, Crisis Management, and Police
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
223. The Power of Russian Propaganda: Identity-Related and Authoritarian-System Correlated Factors
- Author:
- Olga Nadskakuła-Kaczmarczyk
- Publication Date:
- 09-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Polish Political Science Yearbook
- Institution:
- Polish Political Science Association (PPSA)
- Abstract:
- This article examines identity-related and authoritarian-system correlated factors, as well as how they influence the positive reception of government propaganda in Russia. Identity-related factors include references to specific historical contexts in the state propaganda narrative and a strengthening of specific values and social beliefs, mainly anti-Western ones, in order to achieve the desired social attitude towards the events under discussion. Authoritarian-system correlated factors include both tight regime control over the entire media landscape and issues related to political apathy, attitudes of conformism and manifestations of cynicism as essential elements of political culture in Russia. The methods of communication between the government and society learnt in the authoritarian system also create fertile ground for the impact of the state narrative: it is a specific combination of identity-related factors exploited by Kremlin propaganda (identity framing), as well as those connected to authoritarian settings, such as political apathy and its resulting consequences, that influence Russians’ susceptibility to state propaganda. These two elements, which work together, mean that Russian propaganda does not have to be persuasive to be effective – it should only strengthen and confirm the already encoded beliefs of the majority of citizens.
- Topic:
- Authoritarianism, Propaganda, Identity, and Russia-Ukraine War
- Political Geography:
- Russia, Eurasia, and Ukraine
224. Europeanisation of the European Union’s Cultural, Political and Social Dimensions as a Tool for Strengthening European Identity
- Author:
- Jadwiga Nadolska
- Publication Date:
- 09-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Polish Political Science Yearbook
- Institution:
- Polish Political Science Association (PPSA)
- Abstract:
- Using the constructivist paradigm, in the article, the author diagnoses the potential of top-down, bottom-up, cross-loading and ad personam Europeanisation in strengthening the cultural, civic and functional dimensions of European identity. First, the trajectories of how national and European identity form are explained and compared, and the factors determining the development of three dimensions of European identity are examined. The study shows that if Europeanising processes are to be effective in strengthening European identity, they should be developed in a complementary way, in three areas: 1) European culture and education, 2) the pan-European political arena, and 3) reinforcement of the utilitarian legitimacy of the European integration project (e.g. the single market, the single currency, the Schengen Area, cohesion policy), with initiatives in the last area having the greatest potential to affect broad segments of European societies. This is related to the nature of European identity. In contrast to affective national identities, European identity is more cognitive, instrumental and functional, relying less on emotions and more on rational calculations and measurable benefits individuals experience through European integration. Positive effects in the utilitarian dimension of integration are felt not only by Europe’s elites but also by average citizens.
- Topic:
- European Union, Constructivism, Identity, and National Identity
- Political Geography:
- Europe
225. Resilience to Online Disinformation: The Role of Civil Society Organizations
- Author:
- Agnieszka Bejma and Yun-Ju Kao
- Publication Date:
- 09-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Polish Political Science Yearbook
- Institution:
- Polish Political Science Association (PPSA)
- Abstract:
- The proliferation of online disinformation poses a serious threat to democratic societies, undermining electoral integrity, fueling polarization, and eroding public trust in institutions. Addressing this complex and evolving challenge cannot be the responsibility of governments or civil society actors alone. This article argues that civil society organizations (CSOs), when engaged as co-creators in democratic governance, play a vital role in fostering information resilience in the digital age. Drawing on comparative case studies from Taiwan and Poland: two democracies that have been frequent targets of foreign disinformation campaigns, we examine how CSOs respond to these threats through fact-checking, media monitoring, digital literacy education, and public awareness campaigns. Our findings show that CSOs not only expose misleading content but also empower citizens to critically engage with information ecosystems. The study contributes to the emerging literature on co-governance by demonstrating that effective responses to disinformation require multiactor collaboration, with CSOs serving as institutional partners in safeguarding democratic resilience.
- Topic:
- Civil Society, Governance, Democracy, Resilience, and Disinformation
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
226. Regional Cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region in an Unstable World: Opportunities, Challenges and Threats
- Author:
- Marta Szulc
- Publication Date:
- 09-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Polish Political Science Yearbook
- Institution:
- Polish Political Science Association (PPSA)
- Abstract:
- The Baltic Sea Region has been a hub of interregional cooperation, evolving over an extended period of time. The region’s actors have faced and overcome significant challenges, such as the accession of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to the European Union (2004) and the development and implementation of the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (2009). The theoretical framework that guided these integration processes was multilevel governance and Europeanisation, both in a top-down and bottomup approach and a critical juncture approach. The global challenges of recent years have reshaped the potential for collaboration in the region, creating new opportunities for enhanced cooperation and the challenges and risks associated with adapting to change. This article aims to identify the challenges, opportunities, and threats faced by the Baltic Sea Region in recent years and analyze how they have been addressed. The analysis will be based on foundational data and literature. It is hypothesized that the actors of regional cooperation from the Baltic Sea Region have responded with remarkable resilience and adaptability to the opportunities, possibilities, and threats they have faced in recent years, providing a reassuring outlook for the region’s future.
- Topic:
- Regional Cooperation, Governance, European Union, and Regional Politics
- Political Geography:
- Europe and Baltic States
227. Could the War Have Been Prevented? US Lessons from Russia’s War against Ukraine
- Author:
- Andrzej Demczuk
- Publication Date:
- 09-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Polish Political Science Yearbook
- Institution:
- Polish Political Science Association (PPSA)
- Abstract:
- The main goal of this article is to analyze American leadership in the context of Russia’s War in Ukraine. Examining the role of the US is important because the results of the study might identify some US strategic and policy weaknesses, which, if applied, might prevent other wars from happening. The main research question has been formulated: Could the Russian War in Ukraine have been prevented? The author’s work is based mainly on the analysis of the interviews with policymakers from the first circle of people in power, mostly the presidents’ advisers who have been particularly involved in implementing American foreign policy towards Russia and Ukraine since the end of the Cold War, as well as Ukrainian officials and those participating in the US-led coalition. US lessons from Russia’s War in Ukraine are of particular significance today, when the world faces a possible confrontation in the Indo-Pacific region between China and Taiwan, as well as the spread of the Middle East turmoil.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, International Security, Leadership, and Russia-Ukraine War
- Political Geography:
- North America and United States of America
228. Today’s Top National Security Threat? You’re Looking at It
- Author:
- Karl Stoltz
- Publication Date:
- 05-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- American Diplomacy
- Institution:
- American Diplomacy
- Abstract:
- You are probably reading this article on your mobile phone or your laptop, or maybe your office or home PC. In fact, that is probably how you get most of your information today, not on pieces of paper delivered to your door or in your mail, or even via AM or FM radio or on network television. And that change in how we receive information is increasingly true all around the world. That convenient all-purpose device you’re staring at also allows our adversaries to attack us from within. It has become one of the greatest threats to our long-term national security. Over the past decade, adversaries like Russia, China, and Iran have mastered the art of burrowing into our consciences surreptitiously, planting falsehoods, disrupting elections, and undermining the fundamental institutions that safeguard democracy. These hybrid attacks were once all labeled “disinformation.” Today, they are more precisely defined as Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI). FIMI affects us like Rohypnol and other date rape drugs: at first, we are often not aware that we are ingesting it. We are addicted to our favorite social media sites, so we refuse to believe that our phones and PCs could be used against us. But information manipulators are master bartenders, able to mix a twist of truth into heavily distilled fictions. They mimic reputable sites in such a way that many consume these distortions without realizing they are swallowing them. And, like alcohol, manipulated information amplifies our emotions. It turns minor political differences into bitter arguments, it undermines confidence in those we should trust, and it destroys longstanding relationships.
- Topic:
- Diplomacy, National Security, Internet, and Information Manipulation
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
229. Unsolicited Thoughts on How the New Administration Can Improve American Diplomacy
- Author:
- Raymond F. Smith
- Publication Date:
- 02-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- American Diplomacy
- Institution:
- American Diplomacy
- Abstract:
- A country’s political leadership establishes its foreign policy goals, and its diplomatic service works to achieve them. Ideally, a country’s fundamental foreign policy goals should be so clear and compelling that they transcend specific administrations and provide enduring guidelines for carrying out the work of diplomacy. Previous post-Cold War administrations have made half-hearted, but ultimately unsuccessful efforts to do this. The new administration may want to consider these three strategic objectives: 1) create a more stable international system; 2) avoid an alliance between China and Russia; 3) decrease the likelihood of a nuclear war. These objectives are clear, compelling, and enduring. The benefits of any system adhere disproportionately to those at the top of the system. Since we are at the top of the current international system, no one has a greater interest in its stability than we do. An alliance between the other nuclear superpower and the other economic superpower would represent a clear and present danger to our preeminence. And in all likelihood, we’d all be dead after a major nuclear war. A diplomacy aimed at achieving these objectives should include: 1) prioritizing US interests; 2) talking less and listening more; and 3) leading by example.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, Leadership, Strategic Interests, and International System
- Political Geography:
- Russia, China, North America, and United States of America
230. Biden’s Troubled Foreign Policy Legacy
- Author:
- P. Michael McKinley
- Publication Date:
- 02-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- American Diplomacy
- Institution:
- American Diplomacy
- Abstract:
- In the waning days of the Biden administration, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security adviser Jake Sullivan highlighted the foreign policy achievements of the previous four years including marshaling support for Ukraine, preventing a wider war in the Middle East, and galvanizing Indo-Pacific ties. The outgoing president himself gave a spirited defense of his accomplishments just days before he left office. As a reelected President Trump takes over, however, it seems fair to ask just how sustainable the efforts to “reenergize alliances and partnerships” and America’s global leadership actually were. And in at least one crucial respect, the Biden administration’s “Foreign Policy for the Middle Class” turned out to be more continuity than a break with President Trump’s “America First:” a protectionist national economic security doctrine now appears to be a centerpiece of American foreign policy. The swan song of a certain kind of American internationalism seems at hand, as the incoming administration signals policies which, reflecting the national mood, will prioritize a more unilateralist approach to the outside world.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, Leadership, International Order, and Joe Biden
- Political Geography:
- Ukraine, Middle East, North America, United States of America, and Indo-Pacific
231. Communicating with the People or with the Leadership Elite: A Diplomatic Juggling Act
- Author:
- Charles Ray
- Publication Date:
- 02-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- American Diplomacy
- Institution:
- American Diplomacy
- Abstract:
- Different people define diplomacy in slightly different ways, but a generally accepted definition from Britannica is ‘the established method of influencing the decisions and behavior of foreign governments and peoples through dialogue, negotiation, and other measures short of war or violence.’ Many people confuse diplomacy with foreign policy, but the terms are quite different. Foreign policy establishes the goals in relationships (bilateral or multilateral) and prescribes strategies and broad tactics to achieve those goals, and it is set by a country’s political leadership. Diplomacy, on the other hand, encompasses the methods used by assigned envoys to establish or strengthen the relationships necessary to carry out the determined policy. Traditionally, diplomats, in carrying out their country’s foreign policy, have mostly communicated with their host country’s leaders or ruling elites. Currently, though, with the rise in prominence of non-governmental organizations and citizens’ groups, effective diplomacy has required that diplomats communicate with these audiences as well as with a host country’s leaders. This can present a problem, especially in authoritarian countries.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, Communications, Leadership, and Elites
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
232. India: Strategic Partner or Global Challenger?
- Author:
- Keith McCormick
- Publication Date:
- 02-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- American Diplomacy
- Institution:
- American Diplomacy
- Abstract:
- This article provides the highlights of the discussions at this year’s DACOR (Diplomatic and Consular Officers Retired) conference on how the US should deal with a rising India. The participants—academics, retired diplomats, and current government officials—participated on the basis of no attribution. The three panels discussed whether India can be a new strategic partner for the US in containing China; how the US. should respond to the Modi government’s increasing use of Hindu chauvinism to undermine democracy and tolerance; and what is ahead for India’s economy, including whether it will become the leader of the Global South in challenging the current, Western-dominated international trading order.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, Economy, Trade, and Strategic Partnerships
- Political Geography:
- China, South Asia, and India
233. How to Fix the Peace Corps
- Author:
- Thomas Brodey
- Publication Date:
- 02-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- American Diplomacy
- Institution:
- American Diplomacy
- Abstract:
- With its small budget and secluded work, the United States Peace Corps is one of the least conspicuous arms of US foreign policy. Yet the agency, originally founded in 1961 as a way for Americans to work on community development abroad, still exerts a major influence. In many developing countries, such as Madagascar, where I served, volunteers are most people’s only exposure to American diplomacy. And for those volunteers who complete service, the Peace Corps is a proven path into the Foreign Service and foreign policy establishment. Despite its apparent stability, however, the Peace Corps is currently facing two of its largest challenges in decades, one acute and one long-term.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Development, and Peace Corps
- Political Geography:
- North America, Madagascar, and United States of America
234. Bohlen’s Dictum: First, Be There
- Author:
- Thomas E. McNamara
- Publication Date:
- 02-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- American Diplomacy
- Institution:
- American Diplomacy
- Abstract:
- On my first foreign service posting in Paris, my boss, Ambassador Charles Bohlen, said that the diplomatic service required many skills, but the most important one was “being there when something happens.” Later, working on Vietnam in the embassy’s political section, I learned that Bohlen’s Dictum was true.
- Topic:
- Diplomacy, History, and Memoir
- Political Geography:
- France, Vietnam, and United States of America
235. Encounters with Bulgarian State Security
- Author:
- Jonathan Rickert
- Publication Date:
- 05-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- American Diplomacy
- Institution:
- American Diplomacy
- Abstract:
- Bulgaria today is a parliamentary democracy and EU and NATO member. It maintains friendly, constructive relations with the US. It was not always so, however — as recently as the late 1980s, Bulgaria had a slavishly oligarchic communist regime, was a loyal ally of the Soviet Union, and a Warsaw Pact member.
- Topic:
- Security, Diplomacy, Memoir, and Soviet Union
- Political Geography:
- Europe, Eastern Europe, and Bulgaria
236. What You Can Learn Standing on a Street Corner
- Author:
- Raymond F. Smith
- Publication Date:
- 11-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- American Diplomacy
- Institution:
- American Diplomacy
- Abstract:
- I arrived in Moscow in late August 1988 to begin a three-year assignment heading the US embassy’s political section. I had learned during my pre-departure consultations in Washington that there were still diametrically opposing views among policy-makers and within the intelligence community about whether the reform program that Mikhail Gorbachev had begun was meaningful. The negative view held that the reforms were intended merely to make the Soviet system operate more efficiently and that, if successful, the US would be faced with an equally hostile, but even more dangerous adversary. One of my key objectives was for the embassy’s political reporting to have meaningful impact on this debate.
- Topic:
- Diplomacy, Reform, Memoir, and Soviet Union
- Political Geography:
- Russia, Eurasia, North America, and United States of America
237. Iran: A Report on the DACOR Bacon Foundation’s 2025 Annual Conference
- Author:
- Keith McCormick
- Publication Date:
- 11-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- American Diplomacy
- Institution:
- American Diplomacy
- Abstract:
- The DACOR Bacon House Foundation’s 2025 Annual Conference, held on September 12, focused on Iran. The conference brought together academics, former diplomats, and policy activists to analyze the new situation facing Iran in the Middle East after a string of military setbacks, and the prospects for diplomacy with the United States. A list of participants is appended to this article.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Demographics, Diplomacy, Environment, Human Rights, Sanctions, and Ideology
- Political Geography:
- Iran, Middle East, and United States of America
238. History Matters
- Author:
- Robert Hunter
- Publication Date:
- 11-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- American Diplomacy
- Institution:
- American Diplomacy
- Abstract:
- History matters. So does ignoring it. These truisms play a major role in the mess that US foreign policy is in now. Americans’ playing down of history and related critical analysis began late in the Cold War. Indeed, by then, basic strategic thinking that was needed to manage the balance of terror with the Soviet Union had long since been done.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Cold War, Diplomacy, History, and Soviet Union
- Political Geography:
- North America and United States of America
239. Unfinished Revolutions: The Long Shadow of the Arab Spring in Sudan and Algeria
- Author:
- Metin Özkan and Ettah M. Horma
- Publication Date:
- 12-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Turkish Journal of Middle Eastern Studies
- Institution:
- Sakarya University (SAU)
- Abstract:
- This article examines the enduring impact of the Arab Spring on Sudan and Algeria, focusing on the dynamics that have rendered their revolutionary trajectories “unfinished.” Building on the theoretical frameworks of civil-military relations, authoritarian resilience, and counterrevolution, the study situates both cases within the broader post-2011 political landscape of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The analysis highlights how structural legacies of post-colonial state formation, entrenched military influence, and regional geopolitical rivalries shaped the course of these uprisings. In Sudan, the fall of Omar al-Bashir in 2019 initiated a fragile civilian–military partnership, ultimately derailed by the 2021 coup, which reignited authoritarian consolidation. In Algeria, the Hirak movement forced the resignation of Abdelaziz Bouteflika but confronted a military establishment determined to preserve its dominance. Comparative insights reveal that in both contexts, militaries acted as decisive arbiters, constraining democratic transitions through tutelary roles and institutional autonomy. External actors also reinforced authoritarian resilience by supporting counterrevolutionary forces. The article concludes that the Sudanese and Algerian cases illustrate the limits of popular mobilization in dismantling entrenched praetorian systems, underscoring the need to reassess democratization theories in light of persistent authoritarian structures in the MENA region.
- Topic:
- Democratization, Authoritarianism, Arab Spring, Counterrevolution, and Authoritarian Resilience
- Political Geography:
- Africa, Sudan, Middle East, and Algeria
240. State Utilization of New Surveillance Technologies and Justification Strategies for the Public: A Case Study of Israel
- Author:
- Burak Şakir Şeker
- Publication Date:
- 12-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Turkish Journal of Middle Eastern Studies
- Institution:
- Sakarya University (SAU)
- Abstract:
- This article examines the intricate relationship between state power, technological innovation, and social control, analyzing how states utilize emerging technologies, especially in surveillance and military capacities, and the legitimization strategies employed to justify these practices to both domestic and global audiences. A key observation is the dualism of state technology use, projecting beyond domestic control to external strategic and economic interests, demonstrating technology as both a commodity and diplomatic tool. Taking Israel as a conspicuous case study due to its peculiar geopolitical situation that has rendered the Palestinian territories a laboratory for innovative military and security technologies, this paper examines how combat-proven systems are created, internationally traded, making Israel's defense industry a leading sector. To understand these dynamics, the research integrates various theoretical frameworks including panopticism, dual-use technologies, securitization theory, constructivism, techno-authoritarianism, as well as theories pertaining to public opinion and state legitimation. The study starts by explaining the theoretical basis, its presence in Israel, and its global consequences. The study also considers the state's rationales founded upon security as well as humanitarian reasons, and includes a focus on international collusion as well as censorship in informing public opinion.
- Topic:
- Science and Technology, Surveillance, State, and Digital Apartheid
- Political Geography:
- Middle East, Israel, and Palestine
241. Funding in the Shadow of Conflict: AIPAC’s Financial Influence on US Congress Post-2023 Israel-Hamas War
- Author:
- Ömer Naim Küçük
- Publication Date:
- 06-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Turkish Journal of Middle Eastern Studies
- Institution:
- Sakarya University (SAU)
- Abstract:
- The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has been a key player in mobilizing support for Israel’s foreign policy within the US Congress, especially during regional conflicts. While studies have examined the influence of the pro-Israeli lobbies’ donations on US policymakers, the strategic allocation of these funds remains less explored. This study addresses that gap by analyzing factors that influenced variations in AIPAC donations to US Congress members following the 2023 Israel-Hamas war. The findings reveal two main determinants: Congress members' sponsorship of pro-Israel bills and the electoral competition in their constituencies. Those actively supporting pro-Israel legislation receive more financial contributions, indicating a link between legislative support and financial incentives. Additionally, members facing strong electoral competition attract more donations, suggesting AIPAC’s targeted investment in politically secure candidates. This research highlights how the Israeli lobby strategically uses financial contributions to shape US foreign policy, particularly in the context of Israel's military engagements.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Elections, Lobbying, Congress, Foreign Influence, 2023 Gaza War, and AIPAC
- Political Geography:
- Israel, Palestine, Gaza, North America, and United States of America
242. The Impacts of the Practices of the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) on the Palestinian Children
- Author:
- Haneen Qaraawee and Ismael Abujarad
- Publication Date:
- 06-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Turkish Journal of Middle Eastern Studies
- Institution:
- Sakarya University (SAU)
- Abstract:
- This research paper aimed at identifying the practices of the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF), which have an impact on the Palestinian children. Precisely, this paper attempted to answer the questions: “(1) what are the IOF practices that impacted the Palestinian children? and (2) how did such practices impact the children?” A mixed methodology was used, where secondary data issued by the Palestinian Ministry of Health as well as the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics was analyzed. The qualitative data, however, was obtained by using content analysis tool to analyze reports published by national and international NGOs working in the Palestinian territories. The results showed that the IOF practiced killing, arrest, intimidation, injuries, and harassment. It was also found that the IOF practices resulted in many mental illnesses among a high proportion of children, represented by fear, panic, psychological disorders, anxiety, insecurity and other psychological illnesses. IOF practices led to depriving the children of the basic needs such as their right to education and health services, which is a violation of the international human rights law. In addition, the results showed that the IOF attempted to demoralize the children, deter them from demonstrating, and erode their loyalty for their homeland.
- Topic:
- Children, Mental Health, Public Health, Palestinians, and Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF)
- Political Geography:
- Middle East, Israel, and Palestine
243. Electoral Dynamics in post-2003 Iraq: Systemic Reforms, Security Challenges, and External Influence
- Author:
- Fatih Oğuzhan İpek
- Publication Date:
- 06-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Turkish Journal of Middle Eastern Studies
- Institution:
- Sakarya University (SAU)
- Abstract:
- Since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein in 2003, Iraq’s political trajectory has been shaped by systemic reforms, security challenges, and external interventions. Parliamentary elections serve as a key measure of Iraq’s democratic governance, revealing persistent issues such as electoral system debates, pre-election violence, political fragmentation, and foreign influence from actors like the US and Iran. Low voter turnout, weak election security, and recurring allegations of fraud have further eroded public trust. The protracted government formation process, driven by sectarian divisions and external meddling, has reinforced political instability. This study examines these patterns by using the process tracing method to provide a comprehensive understanding of Iraq’s electoral landscape and its broader implications for governance. The election process is divided into three timelines and analyzed before, during, and after the elections. Drawing on news and reports on Iraq as well as speeches by Iraqi figures, the study argues that seven patterns embedded in systemic reforms, security challenges, and external interventions have overwhelmed Iraq’s electoral processes and democratic governance since 2003.
- Topic:
- Security, Reform, Elections, Domestic Politics, Parliament, and Ali al-Sistani
- Political Geography:
- Iraq, Middle East, and United States of America
244. Saudi Arabia’s Geopolitical Influence in West Africa: Opportunities and Challenges
- Author:
- Mouhamed Bachir Diop
- Publication Date:
- 12-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Turkish Journal of Middle Eastern Studies
- Institution:
- Sakarya University (SAU)
- Abstract:
- Throughout history, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has maintained close relations in Africa. The significance of Saudi-African relations has grown alongside the political evolution that directly and indirectly affected both parties' internal and regional stages. Due to its substantial political influence on the continent, West Africa is characterized as a zone of competition among various powers. Opportunities and challenges vary for several reasons, including the distinct characteristics and capacities of the rival powers in the West African region. In light of multilateral international rivalry, this article aims to assess Saudi Arabia's impact on West Africa, while exploring potential prospects and obstacles. It examines the different points of contention, which the majority of research on this topic is based on. The findings resulted from a thorough representation of the potential for future interactions between the two parties. The article scrutinizes the effectiveness of the old approaches adopted by the Saudi kingdom with regard to the new realities represented by the competition between major and middle powers in the region.
- Topic:
- International Relations, Foreign Policy, Strategic Competition, Middle Power, and Rivalry
- Political Geography:
- Middle East, Saudi Arabia, and West Africa
245. Admiral Castex and the Israeli Navy: A Holistic View of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East
- Author:
- Meysune Yaşar
- Publication Date:
- 12-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Turkish Journal of Middle Eastern Studies
- Institution:
- Sakarya University (SAU)
- Abstract:
- The post-regime change order debates in Syria have strengthened the place of the Eastern Mediterranean on the agenda. In this context, Israel’s maritime strategy has been considered noteworthy for both the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. The study examines this strategy through French Admiral Raoul Castex's approach to naval strategy for non-hegemonic states and seeks an answer to the question of how Israel shapes its contacts with the Middle East through the geopolitics of the Eastern Mediterranean. Admiral Castex focuses on the maritime behaviour of regional powers and emphasizes two important approaches: improving the ability of manoeuvre and the primacy of the offensive. Within the framework of these two approaches, the study examines the Israeli navy in the Eastern Mediterranean between 2011 and 2024. Thus, on the one hand, it draws the hegemonic state-oriented approach of classical naval studies to the regional level, and on the other hand, it aims to portray the naval behaviour of Israel, which is an important party to regional competition, through its contacts with the Middle East.
- Topic:
- Military Strategy, Geopolitics, Navy, and Admiral Raoul Castex
- Political Geography:
- Middle East, Israel, Palestine, and Eastern Mediterranean
246. Social Media Addiction: Yeşilay's Awareness Campaigns Against Social Media Addiction
- Author:
- Meryem Altıntaş
- Publication Date:
- 04-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Journal of Academic Inquiries
- Institution:
- Sakarya University (SAU)
- Abstract:
- As with other addictions, social media addiction causes the individual to be exposed to many mental and physical problems. The Yeşilayhas an important place in the fight against addiction, especially in creating individual and social awareness. In this study, it is examined what kind of studies the Yeşilay conducts on social media addiction, whether it conveys methods of combating social media addiction, and whether it informs about individual responsibilities regarding social media addiction. Within the scope of the study, a total of 5 brochures published on the official website of the Yeşilay under the name of technology addiction were analyzed. The brochures were analyzed in terms of target audience, subject, language and visuals. It was observed that the brochures provided information about technology addiction, the effects of technology addiction and methods of protection from addiction. The Yeşilay has brochures on technology addiction. However, the Yeşilay should also prepare brochures that deal entirely with social media addiction. In addition, the brochures should frequently inform individuals to receive professional psychological support within the scope of combating addiction.
- Topic:
- Social Media, Journalism, and Addiction
- Political Geography:
- Turkey, Middle East, and Global Focus
247. Yaşam Doyumu ve Ruhsal İyi Oluşu Etkileyen Faktörler ile Sosyal Medya Bağımlılığı İlişkisinin İncelenmesi
- Author:
- Yasin Şenol and Ayla Akdoğan
- Publication Date:
- 06-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Bilgi
- Institution:
- Sakarya University (SAU)
- Abstract:
- Purpose - Studies that associate social media addiction with negative emotional states are cross-sectional and correlation-based, making it impossible to establish causality. The aim of this study is to test the relationship between social media use and addiction—frequently linked to negative emotions and life experiences in the literature—with positive emotional states and life experiences. If social media use and addiction lead to negative emotional states, they should exhibit strong and inverse relationships with variables indicating positive emotions and life conditions. Methodology/Approach/Design- A quantitative research method was employed, and a correlational survey design was adopted. Data were collected from 739 participants through a survey using the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, the Psychological Well-Being Scale, and the Life Satisfaction Scale. Findings- The analysis results indicate a strong, positive, and significant relationship between life satisfaction and psychological well-being. Social media addiction, however, exhibits a weak but significant negative relationship with both variables. These findings do not provide strong support for the association of social media with negative emotional states and life experiences. Originality/Value- This study contributes to understanding the impact of social media addiction on individuals’ quality of life and helps raise awareness regarding social media use. Instead of making broad negative generalizations about social media use, future research should adopt the uses and gratifications approach to examine how individuals use social media either to escape the distress they experience in daily life or to seize opportunities and advantages they perceive on these platforms. In this context, conducting ethnographic research on the social media habits and motivations of different demographic groups appears to be of particular importance.
- Topic:
- Social Media, Society, Well-Being, and Addiction
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
248. Türkiye’de Din ve Milliyetçilik Söylemlerinde Sınırların İnşası: Lévi-Strauss’un Yapısalcı Perspektifinden Bir Analiz
- Author:
- Mesut Özcan
- Publication Date:
- 12-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Bilgi
- Institution:
- Sakarya University (SAU)
- Abstract:
- This study aims to understand borders in the con-text of religion and nationalism in Turkey. For this purpose, the main problematic of this study is what kind of meanings are attributed to the concept of borders in religious and nationalist discourses in Turkish political culture and state tradition. Within the framework of this problematic, the study tries to understand the construction of borders in Turkey through concepts such as structure, language, meaning and symbol, which constitute Lévi-Strauss's structuralist perspective. In this study, discourse analysis technique was used within the framework of qualitative research meth-od. In this study, boundaries were analyzed from a discursive perspective as structural wholes, as well as structures through which meaning is produced and symbolized through language. For such an analysis, Turkey's historical and sociological struc-ture on religion and nationalism provides important data. In this context, borders, which are one of the main components of religion and nationalism in Turkey, are not just a line but also structures that symbolise the basic elements of Turkish political culture such as homeland, nation, state, land, honour, faith, mar-tyrdom and holiness. The structure, language, meaning and symbols contained in religious and nationalist discourse in Turkey have transformed borders into multi-layered ones. In the context of Lévi-Strauss's conceptualization of binary opposi-tions, borders in Turkey have created a language and discourse that are dominated by reli-gious and nationalist tones through binary opposi-tions such as us-them/other, friend-enemy, here-there, inside-outside, local-foreign and national-international.
- Topic:
- Nationalism, Religion, Borders, and Structuralism
- Political Geography:
- Turkey and Middle East
249. More Than a Group Chat: Women’s Social Support Seeking Behaviour in Facebook Groups
- Author:
- Sezen Kaya-Sönmez and Ömer Faruk Zararsız
- Publication Date:
- 10-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Journal of Academic Inquiries
- Institution:
- Sakarya University (SAU)
- Abstract:
- This study examines how women seek and provide social support in a Facebook group exclusively designed for female members. The research aims to demonstrate that social support is a significant communication process not only during health-related issues and crisis situations but also as part of everyday life. A second aim is to highlight the role of social support in women’s online interpersonal communication. Using content analysis, posts shared within the closed Facebook group were thematically analysed through the lens of social support theory. The findings indicate that the majority of posts in the group contain social support elements. Informational support was most frequently observed in posts related to daily life and health, while emotional support was most prevalent in discussions about relationships and religion. Esteem support, the third most common type, was primarily found in posts concerning relationships.
- Topic:
- Social Media, Facebook, Social Support, Digital Platforms, and Interpersonal Communication
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
250. The Associations Between Social Media Addiction, Job Stress, Performance, and Relationship Satisfaction Among Married Employees
- Author:
- Tuğba Özsoy
- Publication Date:
- 10-2025
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Journal of Academic Inquiries
- Institution:
- Sakarya University (SAU)
- Abstract:
- This study investigates the relationships between employees' levels of social media addiction and their job performance, job stress, and emotional relationship satisfaction among married professionals. The research is based on data collected from 256 married participants working in various sectors of the public and private domains, gathered through an online survey. Correlation analyses revealed that social media addiction is positively correlated with job stress but not significantly related to job performance and relationship satisfaction. Additionally, it was found that women use social media more than men. Participants spent an average of 1.35 hours on social media during work hours and 4.18 hours per day in total. Multiple regression analyses indicated that only job stress significantly predicted social media addiction. The results suggest that social media use is not directly related to job performance and relationship satisfaction but is associated with job stress among married professionals.
- Topic:
- Social Media, Addiction, Work-Life Balance, Job Performance, and Relationships
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus