İran'ın İsrail'e saldırısı ve akabinde İsrail'in bu saldırıya karşı bir saldırıyla cevap vereceği... more İran'ın İsrail'e saldırısı ve akabinde İsrail'in bu saldırıya karşı bir saldırıyla cevap vereceğini açıklaması Orta Doğu'da genişlemiş bir savaş ihtimalini arttırmıştır. Uluslararası sistemlerde, bir başka deyişle birbirleriyle etkileşimde bulunan devletlerde, denge istikrar getirir. İstikrarsızlık kimin kiminle bir diğerine zarar vereceğinin bilinmemesi, belirsizliği anlamlarına gelir. Bu
YEDİNCİ ULUSLARARASI İSRAİL VE YAHUDİLİK ÇALIŞMALARI KONFERANSI 2023 BİLDİRİ VE ÖZ KİTABI PROCEEDING AND ABSTRACT BOOK OF THE SEVENTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ISRAEL AND JUDAISM STUDIES 2023 Editor/ Editör M. Mustafa KULU, 2023
This paper explains Hamas attack on the kibbutz Kfar-Aza using William Dray's "how is it possible... more This paper explains Hamas attack on the kibbutz Kfar-Aza using William Dray's "how is it possible" approach and develops the approach along with game theoretical thinking. Finally, it evaluates the attack in the context of global politics. Explanations come in different varieties. Explanation-what approach implies that it is sufficient to describe the causal process of the attack. The causes of the attack can be
The aim of this article is to develop Kenneth N. Waltz’s conceptualization of system structures b... more The aim of this article is to develop Kenneth N. Waltz’s conceptualization of system structures based on the distribution of capabilities to those described by two traits at system-level: the distribution of capabilities across states and states’ geographic positions with respect to each other, that is, the contiguity configuration. The development generates taxonomies of structures evaluated as mental pictures that guide, organize, and channel thoughts by identifying the ways system structures constrain international interactions. Mental pictures are argued to derive from a multiplicity of interrelated neurophysiological processes of the brain according to functionalism which is a monist doctrine of the philosophy of mind. Mental pictures establish structural constraints as products of an algorithm based on realism and system theory depicting a neo-Kantian view of how our minds impose order on sensory data.
The aim of this article is to develop Kenneth N. Waltz’s conceptualization of system structures b... more The aim of this article is to develop Kenneth N. Waltz’s conceptualization of system structures based on the distribution of capabilities to those described by two traits at system-level: the distribution of capabilities across states and states’ geographic positions with respect to each other, that is, the contiguity configuration. The development generates taxonomies of structures evaluated as mental pictures that guide, organize, and channel thoughts by identifying the ways system structures constrain international interactions. Mental pictures are argued to derive from a multiplicity of interrelated neurophysiological processes of the brain according to functionalism which is a monist doctrine of the philosophy of mind. Mental pictures establish structural constraints as products of an algorithm based on realism and system theory depicting a neo-Kantian view of how our minds impose order on sensory data.
Interfaith dialogues are platforms to address the issues of common concern for different faiths a... more Interfaith dialogues are platforms to address the issues of common concern for different faiths and beliefs. In this article, we use game theory to draw attention to the tensions between representing one’s community and reaching out to the ‘other’ side in pursuit of a common goal. We investigate the role of uncertainty and trust in interfaith communications, especially in times of political conflict. We propose four dynamic game models of incomplete information classified into two categories. Through our model, we find that even if one participant would prefer a scenario where the other party is cooperative while she herself remains defiant for reputational purposes, as long as she values a mutual solution/cooperation to mutual defection/conflict, the interfaith interaction will be more likely to be successful. Our models also show that the parties will be more tolerant of a ‘defiant’ looking behaviour if they believe they are dealing with a partner who is sincere and not prone to p...
Spring 2017 Serdar Ş. Güner & Dilan E. Koç* The question of the Kurdish state and natural gas pip... more Spring 2017 Serdar Ş. Güner & Dilan E. Koç* The question of the Kurdish state and natural gas pipeline proposals are at the core of the power struggle among states key to Middle Eastern stability and global balance. The various friendship-hostility configurations between the US, Russia, Turkey, Syria, and Iran are analyzed to present how changes in the direction of the conflict and cooperation disturb the regional balance of power in the Syrian conflict. Given the stable hostility between the US and Russia, and the stable friendship between Russia and Syria, the Turkish preferences for coveting friendship and leaning toward enmity are central in the formation of balances. Conditions for Russo-Turkish rapprochement and the possibility of an overall friendship between Russia, Turkey, and Syria are also discussed. Iran’s inclusion in the analysis reveals the possibility of a four-state front against the US. Furthermore, a competition or an agreement between the US and Russia over Kurdi...
We focus on a key IR Theory article by Alexander Wendt (1992) and two Jackson Pollock paintings. ... more We focus on a key IR Theory article by Alexander Wendt (1992) and two Jackson Pollock paintings. Our aim is to identify meanings Pollock’s art communicates and reveals for Wendt (1992). It derives from an appeal to visual imagination and a desire for semiotic interpretation of Constructivist view of anarchy. The visual sign is an association such that there is Wendt’s theoretical claim on the one hand and an abstract painting on the other. We do not gaze at Wendt’s claim, we read it. We do not read a painting, look at it. This remark does not imply a one-way relationship. We can argue that a specific painting comes to life in our mind where colored movements are inextricably mixed up when we read the constructivist claim. Both Pollock paintings selected for our sign-making effort confirm the dynamic character of Constructivism and reveal not only three but countlessly many anarchies in international relations. They foment our assessments of abrupt changes of intersubjectivity among ...
This article proposes a simple evolutionary game to analyze the stability of states’ balancing an... more This article proposes a simple evolutionary game to analyze the stability of states’ balancing and bandwagoning behavior towards the sole superpower called the unipole. The trajectories leading to evolutionarily stable strategies (ESSs) demonstrate possible alignment paths given environmental constraints of unipolar systems and game rules. States are found to bandwagon with or balance against the unipole. They can also become divided adopting opposite alignment behaviors. The evolutionarily stable strategies imply alternative views of socialization and competition processes for structural realism, liberalism, and constructivism.
At the core of the power struggle among states key to Middle Eastern stability and global balance... more At the core of the power struggle among states key to Middle Eastern stability and global balance is the question of who controls whose natural gas flow via whose territories. The United States, Russia, Turkey, Syria, and Iran are analyzed in this context to present how changing alliances have disrupted the regional balance in the Syria conflict. Given the stable hostility between the United States and Russia as well as the steady friendship between Russia and Syria, Turkey’s alliances and enmities are central in the formation of balances. Competition or disagreement between the United States and Russia over Kurdish independence in Syria could lead to a protracted conflict for years to come in the Middle East.
Semiotics constitutes an untapped and interdisciplinary source of enrichment for the discipline o... more Semiotics constitutes an untapped and interdisciplinary source of enrichment for the discipline of International Relations (IR) theory. We propose two visual metaphors to that effect to interpret the figure depicting the central claim of structural realism (SR) offered by late Kenneth Waltz who is one of the most disputed, read, and inspiring IR theorists. The figure is the tenor of both metaphors. The vehicles are two paintings by Mark Rothko, namely, “Green and Tangerine on Red” and the “Number 14.” The metaphors generate innumerable meanings for the tenor and eliminate the criticism that SR is a static and an ahistorical theory. Thus, they benefit the Discipline characterised by academic cleavages on the meaning of theory, science, and production of knowledge.
Interfaith dialogues are platforms to address the issues of common concern for different faiths a... more Interfaith dialogues are platforms to address the issues of common concern for different faiths and beliefs. In this article, we use game theory to draw attention to the tensions between representing one's community and reaching out to the 'other' side in pursuit of a common goal. We investigate the role of uncertainty and trust in interfaith communications, especially in times of political conflict. We propose four dynamic game models of incomplete information classified into two categories. Through our model, we find that even if one participant would prefer a scenario where the other party is cooperative while she herself remains defiant for reputational purposes, as long as she values a mutual solution/cooperation to mutual defection/conflict, the interfaith interaction will be more likely to be successful. Our models also show that the parties will be more tolerant of a 'defiant' looking behaviour if they believe they are dealing with a partner who is sincere and not prone to peer pressure, rather than one who cares more about his reputation than the communication itself. We demonstrate the findings of our models by using the case of the interfaith interactions during the Troubles Period in Northern Ireland.
Iran’s nuclear research program generates global suspicion and concern. We read news about the po... more Iran’s nuclear research program generates global suspicion and concern. We read news about the possibility of an Israeli or a U.S. attack upon Iranian nuclear facilities. The general idea is that if Iran continues its research, and, say, an Israeli attack occurs, Iran can retaliate. Thus, any potential attacker has to foresee the consequences of its action against Iran. Iran then has to assess the magnitude of costs that deter a potential attacker. Yet, the attacker can guess that Iran has strong incentives to misrepresent its incentives in its will and ability to retaliate. Iran can in turn try to guess whether the attacker takes its stand about retaliation seriously.
Various balance and imbalance conditions among the U.S., Russia, Turkey, Syria, and Iran are anal... more Various balance and imbalance conditions among the U.S., Russia, Turkey, Syria, and Iran are analyzed to present how changes in the direction of conflict and cooperation disturb the regional balance in the Syria conflict. We find that given a stable hostility between the U.S. and Russia, and the stable friendship between Russia and Syria, Turkish preferences over coveting friendship and leaning toward enmity are central in the formation of balances. Turkey-Syria relations constitute a key for the balance in the region. A main Russian foreign-policy problem thus remains to help Turkey and Syria to conduct friendlier relations. A competition or an agreement between the U.S. and Russia over Kurdish independence underlies TFP alignment choices and a high likelihood of a protracted conflict for years to come in the Middle East.
İran'ın İsrail'e saldırısı ve akabinde İsrail'in bu saldırıya karşı bir saldırıyla cevap vereceği... more İran'ın İsrail'e saldırısı ve akabinde İsrail'in bu saldırıya karşı bir saldırıyla cevap vereceğini açıklaması Orta Doğu'da genişlemiş bir savaş ihtimalini arttırmıştır. Uluslararası sistemlerde, bir başka deyişle birbirleriyle etkileşimde bulunan devletlerde, denge istikrar getirir. İstikrarsızlık kimin kiminle bir diğerine zarar vereceğinin bilinmemesi, belirsizliği anlamlarına gelir. Bu
YEDİNCİ ULUSLARARASI İSRAİL VE YAHUDİLİK ÇALIŞMALARI KONFERANSI 2023 BİLDİRİ VE ÖZ KİTABI PROCEEDING AND ABSTRACT BOOK OF THE SEVENTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ISRAEL AND JUDAISM STUDIES 2023 Editor/ Editör M. Mustafa KULU, 2023
This paper explains Hamas attack on the kibbutz Kfar-Aza using William Dray's "how is it possible... more This paper explains Hamas attack on the kibbutz Kfar-Aza using William Dray's "how is it possible" approach and develops the approach along with game theoretical thinking. Finally, it evaluates the attack in the context of global politics. Explanations come in different varieties. Explanation-what approach implies that it is sufficient to describe the causal process of the attack. The causes of the attack can be
The aim of this article is to develop Kenneth N. Waltz’s conceptualization of system structures b... more The aim of this article is to develop Kenneth N. Waltz’s conceptualization of system structures based on the distribution of capabilities to those described by two traits at system-level: the distribution of capabilities across states and states’ geographic positions with respect to each other, that is, the contiguity configuration. The development generates taxonomies of structures evaluated as mental pictures that guide, organize, and channel thoughts by identifying the ways system structures constrain international interactions. Mental pictures are argued to derive from a multiplicity of interrelated neurophysiological processes of the brain according to functionalism which is a monist doctrine of the philosophy of mind. Mental pictures establish structural constraints as products of an algorithm based on realism and system theory depicting a neo-Kantian view of how our minds impose order on sensory data.
The aim of this article is to develop Kenneth N. Waltz’s conceptualization of system structures b... more The aim of this article is to develop Kenneth N. Waltz’s conceptualization of system structures based on the distribution of capabilities to those described by two traits at system-level: the distribution of capabilities across states and states’ geographic positions with respect to each other, that is, the contiguity configuration. The development generates taxonomies of structures evaluated as mental pictures that guide, organize, and channel thoughts by identifying the ways system structures constrain international interactions. Mental pictures are argued to derive from a multiplicity of interrelated neurophysiological processes of the brain according to functionalism which is a monist doctrine of the philosophy of mind. Mental pictures establish structural constraints as products of an algorithm based on realism and system theory depicting a neo-Kantian view of how our minds impose order on sensory data.
Interfaith dialogues are platforms to address the issues of common concern for different faiths a... more Interfaith dialogues are platforms to address the issues of common concern for different faiths and beliefs. In this article, we use game theory to draw attention to the tensions between representing one’s community and reaching out to the ‘other’ side in pursuit of a common goal. We investigate the role of uncertainty and trust in interfaith communications, especially in times of political conflict. We propose four dynamic game models of incomplete information classified into two categories. Through our model, we find that even if one participant would prefer a scenario where the other party is cooperative while she herself remains defiant for reputational purposes, as long as she values a mutual solution/cooperation to mutual defection/conflict, the interfaith interaction will be more likely to be successful. Our models also show that the parties will be more tolerant of a ‘defiant’ looking behaviour if they believe they are dealing with a partner who is sincere and not prone to p...
Spring 2017 Serdar Ş. Güner & Dilan E. Koç* The question of the Kurdish state and natural gas pip... more Spring 2017 Serdar Ş. Güner & Dilan E. Koç* The question of the Kurdish state and natural gas pipeline proposals are at the core of the power struggle among states key to Middle Eastern stability and global balance. The various friendship-hostility configurations between the US, Russia, Turkey, Syria, and Iran are analyzed to present how changes in the direction of the conflict and cooperation disturb the regional balance of power in the Syrian conflict. Given the stable hostility between the US and Russia, and the stable friendship between Russia and Syria, the Turkish preferences for coveting friendship and leaning toward enmity are central in the formation of balances. Conditions for Russo-Turkish rapprochement and the possibility of an overall friendship between Russia, Turkey, and Syria are also discussed. Iran’s inclusion in the analysis reveals the possibility of a four-state front against the US. Furthermore, a competition or an agreement between the US and Russia over Kurdi...
We focus on a key IR Theory article by Alexander Wendt (1992) and two Jackson Pollock paintings. ... more We focus on a key IR Theory article by Alexander Wendt (1992) and two Jackson Pollock paintings. Our aim is to identify meanings Pollock’s art communicates and reveals for Wendt (1992). It derives from an appeal to visual imagination and a desire for semiotic interpretation of Constructivist view of anarchy. The visual sign is an association such that there is Wendt’s theoretical claim on the one hand and an abstract painting on the other. We do not gaze at Wendt’s claim, we read it. We do not read a painting, look at it. This remark does not imply a one-way relationship. We can argue that a specific painting comes to life in our mind where colored movements are inextricably mixed up when we read the constructivist claim. Both Pollock paintings selected for our sign-making effort confirm the dynamic character of Constructivism and reveal not only three but countlessly many anarchies in international relations. They foment our assessments of abrupt changes of intersubjectivity among ...
This article proposes a simple evolutionary game to analyze the stability of states’ balancing an... more This article proposes a simple evolutionary game to analyze the stability of states’ balancing and bandwagoning behavior towards the sole superpower called the unipole. The trajectories leading to evolutionarily stable strategies (ESSs) demonstrate possible alignment paths given environmental constraints of unipolar systems and game rules. States are found to bandwagon with or balance against the unipole. They can also become divided adopting opposite alignment behaviors. The evolutionarily stable strategies imply alternative views of socialization and competition processes for structural realism, liberalism, and constructivism.
At the core of the power struggle among states key to Middle Eastern stability and global balance... more At the core of the power struggle among states key to Middle Eastern stability and global balance is the question of who controls whose natural gas flow via whose territories. The United States, Russia, Turkey, Syria, and Iran are analyzed in this context to present how changing alliances have disrupted the regional balance in the Syria conflict. Given the stable hostility between the United States and Russia as well as the steady friendship between Russia and Syria, Turkey’s alliances and enmities are central in the formation of balances. Competition or disagreement between the United States and Russia over Kurdish independence in Syria could lead to a protracted conflict for years to come in the Middle East.
Semiotics constitutes an untapped and interdisciplinary source of enrichment for the discipline o... more Semiotics constitutes an untapped and interdisciplinary source of enrichment for the discipline of International Relations (IR) theory. We propose two visual metaphors to that effect to interpret the figure depicting the central claim of structural realism (SR) offered by late Kenneth Waltz who is one of the most disputed, read, and inspiring IR theorists. The figure is the tenor of both metaphors. The vehicles are two paintings by Mark Rothko, namely, “Green and Tangerine on Red” and the “Number 14.” The metaphors generate innumerable meanings for the tenor and eliminate the criticism that SR is a static and an ahistorical theory. Thus, they benefit the Discipline characterised by academic cleavages on the meaning of theory, science, and production of knowledge.
Interfaith dialogues are platforms to address the issues of common concern for different faiths a... more Interfaith dialogues are platforms to address the issues of common concern for different faiths and beliefs. In this article, we use game theory to draw attention to the tensions between representing one's community and reaching out to the 'other' side in pursuit of a common goal. We investigate the role of uncertainty and trust in interfaith communications, especially in times of political conflict. We propose four dynamic game models of incomplete information classified into two categories. Through our model, we find that even if one participant would prefer a scenario where the other party is cooperative while she herself remains defiant for reputational purposes, as long as she values a mutual solution/cooperation to mutual defection/conflict, the interfaith interaction will be more likely to be successful. Our models also show that the parties will be more tolerant of a 'defiant' looking behaviour if they believe they are dealing with a partner who is sincere and not prone to peer pressure, rather than one who cares more about his reputation than the communication itself. We demonstrate the findings of our models by using the case of the interfaith interactions during the Troubles Period in Northern Ireland.
Iran’s nuclear research program generates global suspicion and concern. We read news about the po... more Iran’s nuclear research program generates global suspicion and concern. We read news about the possibility of an Israeli or a U.S. attack upon Iranian nuclear facilities. The general idea is that if Iran continues its research, and, say, an Israeli attack occurs, Iran can retaliate. Thus, any potential attacker has to foresee the consequences of its action against Iran. Iran then has to assess the magnitude of costs that deter a potential attacker. Yet, the attacker can guess that Iran has strong incentives to misrepresent its incentives in its will and ability to retaliate. Iran can in turn try to guess whether the attacker takes its stand about retaliation seriously.
Various balance and imbalance conditions among the U.S., Russia, Turkey, Syria, and Iran are anal... more Various balance and imbalance conditions among the U.S., Russia, Turkey, Syria, and Iran are analyzed to present how changes in the direction of conflict and cooperation disturb the regional balance in the Syria conflict. We find that given a stable hostility between the U.S. and Russia, and the stable friendship between Russia and Syria, Turkish preferences over coveting friendship and leaning toward enmity are central in the formation of balances. Turkey-Syria relations constitute a key for the balance in the region. A main Russian foreign-policy problem thus remains to help Turkey and Syria to conduct friendlier relations. A competition or an agreement between the U.S. and Russia over Kurdish independence underlies TFP alignment choices and a high likelihood of a protracted conflict for years to come in the Middle East.
The trigger of the Ukraine-Russia war is the enlargement of NATO which is essentially a Western e... more The trigger of the Ukraine-Russia war is the enlargement of NATO which is essentially a Western exploitation of Russian weakness emanating of Soviet Union’s dissolution. Russia has communicated her reactions to the enlargement in peaceful terms until the prospect of Ukraine becoming a NATO member. The second wave of enlargement coming from the direction of neutral states such Finland and Sweden originates from Finnish and Swedish fears of being the next targets of Russian military campaigns. NATO enlargement to Ukraine has caused Russia-Ukraine war that in turn has caused some neutral states to leave their neutrality and become NATO members. Therefore, NATO expansion efforts has led to a further expansion through war. The exclusion of and warring with Russia only obliterates the opportunity of forming a large alliance to balance China, however. The West should understand that it is not wise to create incentives for the formation of a Sino-Russian alliance.
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