Bilgehan Öztürk

Researcher
"Dr. Bilgehan Öztürk is a foreign policy researcher, recognized for his expertise in Turkish foreign and security policies, with a specific focus on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. His diverse research portfolio encompasses areas such as non-state armed actors, civil conflict, countering violent extremism, Turkish-Russian relations, and the dynamics of great power rivalry. Dr. Öztürk holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree from the Middle East Institute of Sakarya University and an MA in Middle East and Mediterranean Studies from King's College London. Dr. Öztürk is also a commentator and analyst in the global media landscape. He comments on international affairs, providing insights and perspectives on major news outlets such as CNN International, Al Jazeera, and TRT World. His written analyses and opinion pieces have been featured on prominent platforms including Middle East Eye, The New Arab, TRT World, Politics Today, and Daily Sabah."
  • In this new volume of SETA Security Radar, we analyze the main dynamics shaping Türkiye’s security and geopolitical landscape with references to the most significant foreign policy and security issues throughout 2023.
  • Bilgehan Ozturk says cross-border strikes were already planned but the timing of operations are key for the national interests of Türkiye.
  • This analysis will first address the factors that will determine the direction of Turkish foreign policy in the new era. It will then provide evaluations regarding a possible approach to its relations with the actors involved in the most important and prioritized issues of Turkish foreign policy, with a geographical perspective.
  • This paper provides a comparative analysis of the specific and singular foreign policy topics and files, as well as the paradigms guiding the foreign policy preferences of both alliances on a macro level.
  • Southern Türkiye was jolted by twin earthquakes on February 6 that caused unprecedented devastation across an extremely vast area, impacting 11 provinces. Almost on par with the scale of the devastation, Türkiye has also received a huge amount of humanitarian aid from many countries with which Türkiye both has cordial and strained relations. In light of the considerable level of solidarity showcased by many countries, it is still unclear whether this atmosphere of solidarity and amicability will translate into tangible outcomes in the respective bilateral relations between Türkiye and these nations. Likewise, it is also unclear whether the solidarity displayed by countries with which Türkiye had tense relations until the earthquakes will cause a thaw in bilateral ties and lead to a new chapter in relations. We asked foreign policy experts to weigh in on these questions.