Volume I Perceptions Mar - May 1996

The first issue of our journal was published in the Spring semester of 1996. With 10 articles, this issue covers a wide range of topics. The first article of the issue, written by researcher Gareth Winrow, touches upon the economic and political opportunities offered by Transcaucasia and Central Asia in the post-Cold War era and evaluates the strategic importance of the region for Turkey. Binnaz Toprak challenges Huntington's theory of the Clash of Civilizations by highlighting the complexity of global dynamics and the inadequacy of viewing conflicts solely through the lens of civilization in her article. She argues the complexity of contemporary global interactions, rejecting the notion of a homogenous bipolar world divided between the West and the rest. Javier Solana underscores Turkey's strategic importance within NATO and its potential to influence regional stability and integration efforts by highlighting Turkey's strategic position as a gateway between Europe and Asia, the Balkans, the Black Sea, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. This geographical location makes Turkey a crucial player in regional cooperation and security.In his work, Heinz Kramer argues that Turkey's post-Cold War foreign policy has been characterized by increased assertiveness, particularly in its relations with Central Asia, where it seeks to exert influence based on historical, cultural, and economic ties. However, it also faces challenges such as competition from other regional powers like Russia and Iran, as well as the limited capacity to meet the high expectations raised by its optimistic declarations regarding assistance and leadership in the Central Asian republics. Selçuk Korkud discusses the historical and ongoing conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, highlighting the complexities of the negotiations, the impact of military actions, and the role of international efforts such as the Minsk Group in seeking a resolution. Temel Iskıt explains Turkey's involvement in energy politics within the Eurasian region, highlighting challenges and successes in advancing its interests, particularly regarding pipeline projects like Baku-Ceyhan and Caspian-Mediterranean lines. He emphasizes Türkiye's recognition of the complexities involved and its determination to navigate these challenges while striving for mutual benefits among regional players and the West.Richard Friedman and Enders Wimbush discuss the importance of supporting the Central Asian states to resist potential destabilization from Russia's instability and nationalist tendencies, highlighting the significance of a politically settled and prosperous periphery surrounding Russia for Western security. Cem Eroğlu in his article Minority Rights and Integration states that eradicating intolerance in all its forms demands combined action to remove both the material and the ideological causes of social unrest. The aim must be integration in a spirit of respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual.Şükrü Elekdağ emphasizes the importance of military strength in shaping a country's foreign policy and ensuring its security and prosperity. He also discusses the need for Türkiye to strike a balance between national survival and welfare, highlighting the crucial role of a stable and dynamic economy in achieving this balance. Gülnur Aybet discusses the significance of the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty (CFE) despite its limitations, highlighting its role in promoting military transparency. She emphasizes the importance of adapting conventional arms control measures to address evolving security concerns and stresses the need for complementing arms control efforts with diplomacy, early warning systems, and crisis management strategies to effectively manage potential conflicts.