De-Europeanisation of Civil Society and Public Debates in Turkey: The Kurdish Question Revisited

Abstract

This study discusses the dynamics of de-Europeanisation and the changing impact of Europe on the politically mobilised civil society involved in the public debates concerning Turkey’s Kurdish question. The article first critically assesses how and in what ways the legal and constitutional reforms on the freedom of assembly required by the European Union (EU) changed the political structure in which civil society organisations (CSOs) operate in Turkey. It then examines the views of CSOs on the potential roles and limitations of the EU in the Kurdish question and the peace process which lasted between March 2013 and July 2015. It also delineates the reasons why the political context of Europeanisation is not seen as instrumental by these CSOs to framing and justifying their arguments.     

Belarus', Ukraine and The Russian Question: A Comment

Before the names of Just and Unjust can have place there must be some coercive force to compel men equally to abide by their covenants by the terrour of a punishment greater than the benefit they expect by the breach of their covenant… So that the nature of Justice consisteth not in keeping of valid covenants: but the Validity of Covenants begins not but with the Constitution of a Civill power sufficient to compel men to keep them.

Thomas Hobbes, 1651     

The Foreign Policies of Post-Soviet Landlocked States

The landlocked location of several post-Soviet states has significantly constrained their foreign policy options, helping shape their foreign policy orientations. This article asks how lack of sea access has influenced foreign policy patterns of these states. Three case studies, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, are detailed. Based on field research, including interviews with policy makers, the case studies are used to look at maneuverability in foreign policy as well as how geographic proximity to the sea seems to be an important dividing line, distinguishing the foreign policy orientations of the new states, especially in terms of integration and cooperation with Europe and the United States, and relationships with Russia.     

俄罗斯企业走向全球化:现状与前景

对外直接投资的迅速增长是现阶段俄罗斯经济发展的一个显著态势.俄罗斯企业通过多方位对外投资,扩大了自身在全球经济中的影响.世界经济形势对俄罗斯企业对外投资是有利的.俄罗斯政府不断加强对企业境外投资的支持力度,并开始发挥一定作用.因此,在不远的将来,俄罗斯企业对外直接投资有望实现新的迅速增长.