Public Lecture: Turkish Foreign Policy

As part of efforts to broaden students' perspectives on current issues, the Department of International Relations invited Tufan Kutay Boran M.Sc, PhD (cand) to give a Guest Lecture online, via a Zoom link. The Guest Lecture, titled "Turkish Foreign Policy: Historical Content and Contemporary Development," moderated by Dr. Nikolaus Loy, MA, and hosted by Erna Kurniawati, SIP, M.Si, both instructors of the International Politics course, took place on Friday, May 13, 2022, from 10:00 to 11:45 AM WIB.

This Guest Lecture was primarily aimed at students currently taking the International Politics course. It began with an opening speech by the Head of the Department of International Relations, Dr. Saptopo Bambang Ilkodar, M.Si, followed by a presentation by Tufan Kutay Boran M.Sc, PhD (cand). Mr. Tufan elaborated in detail on various aspects, including the Fundamentals of Turkish Foreign Policy, popular Turkish doctrines during the Cold War era (1945-1980), as well as Turkey under the AK Party, along with the Principles of Turkish Foreign Policy divided into three categories: secularism, nationalism, and Republicanism.

He also explained "The Contents of Turkish Element" that influence Turkish Foreign Policy, which are non-negotiable, including NATO membership, commitment to Europe, strategic partnership with the United States, and security in the Black Sea, Central Asia, and the Caucasus. This topic is highly relevant, especially considering Turkey's status as a country whose stance is being questioned regarding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War. The Guest Lecture was engaging, and students actively participated in discussions and Q&A sessions. This was evident from the large number of students who attended online and stayed engaged until the end of the Guest Lecture.