On the Editor’s Forum, program editors at NAOC continue their case-by-case examination of different areas of the globe and identify their respective security contingencies. In this instalment, the Eastern Mediterranean is the region being reviewed.
Tag: Turkey
The Eastern Mediterranean: NATO Allies Clash
The Eastern Mediterranean is without a doubt a conflict-prone geographic location. Most consider the conflicts between Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and occasionally, Egypt, when discussing the region, but new players are clashing with one another, and this time, they’re allies. While the world looks at nearby Syria, it has been Turkey, Cyprus and Greece that Read More…
The Indian Ocean: A New Frontier
Whereas the Pacific Ocean is a bipolar power structure between the Chinese on one end, and the US and its allies on the other, the Indian Ocean has become an unpredictable multipolar military playground that could have innumerable consequences.
A Strongman Paradox: Free and Fair Elections in Turkey Cripple Democracy
Maria Pepelassis discusses the role of expats and control of elections in the re-election of President Erdogan that effectively cemented his powers as an autocrat.
Turkey’s Place in Euro-Caspian Energy Development
Two extremely important events for Turkey’s energy policy took place within days of each other at the end of May and in early June. The first was the formal opening of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC). The second was the order, by Dutch courts, that Gazprom’s assets in The Netherlands should be frozen. That court Read More…
Malaysia and the Trade-Off Between Freedom of Speech and Security
Buzz Lanthier-Rogers explores the problem facing both Malaysia and the world at large: whether to accept the perceived danger of freedom of expression, or the safety of censorship.
Armenia’s Unclear Future
Uncertain times lie ahead for Armenia, Buzz Lanthier-Rogers writes. Unless the country treads cautiously, those times might bring war.
Confronting Turkey
As long as NATO appeases Turkey’s authoritarianism, the Alliance’s commitment to human rights and democracy is put in question.
What Does the Iraqi Kurdish Referendum Mean for Operation IMPACT?
The Kurdish referendum takes place on September 25th. Despite widespread condemnation, President Barzani is continuing along the path towards independence and possibly renewed conflict.
Where do LGBT Perspectives Fit within the NATO Narrative?
To honour LGBT month, the turbulent experiences of identifying service men and women are acknowledged, while the paranoia surrounding their service are debunked. The accession of prospective nations into the Alliance raises the question of whether the LGBT inclusion status of a nation is a factor worth considering for membership. And if it should be, can religious affiliation influence the security and defence commitments of NATO members?