Istanbul Policy Review

Front Matter

2024-08-13

Comparative Analysis of the Content of Online Magazines of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Different Languages: Dabiq, Rumiyah, and Konstantiniyye

Ahmet Yiğitalp Tulga — 2024-08-13

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) effectively uses online magazines for propaganda, leveraging advanced internet technologies to disseminate its message in multiple languages. This study investigates ISIS's use of online magazines to promote its self-proclaimed jihad and attract recruits globally. While existing research examines ISIS's multilingual magazines, few studies comprehensively compare them across languages. This study conducts a text analysis of Dabiq and Rumiyah in English and Konstantiniyye in Turkish. The findings reveal that all magazines construct distinct “us” versus “them” identities, focusing on religion and justification. Konstantiniyye, targeting Turkish Muslims, emphasizes stronger religious themes compared to Dabiq and Rumiyah. Overall, these magazines discuss legal systems, jihad, state structure, and social order, advocating for Muslim unification under a single “caliphate.” This analysis sheds light on ISIS's diverse propaganda strategies tailored to different linguistic contexts.

Migration, Securitization, and State Policies: Evaluating Afghan Irregular Migration and Repatriation Centers in Türkiye

Zeynep Banu Dalaman — 2024-08-13

This study delves into an extensive exploration of migration and securitization policies within the context of Türkiye, with a specific focus on Afghan irregular migration and the function of repatriation centers. The research scrutinizes state policies that initiate the migration process of Afghan irregular migrants to Türkiye, deficiencies in border security, and related practices. The influence of key global events such as the Taliban’s takeover, the withdrawal of US and NATO forces, and the ensuing political turmoil in Afghanistan are examined as triggers for migration. These factors, coupled with issues such as personal safety, unemployment, and poverty, have led to increased internal and external migration. The study also investigates the myriad challenges Türkiye faces in dealing with the surge of migrants. Housing, health, education, integration, employment, social services, urbanization, and various public policy areas are all areas strained by this influx. Attention is given to the Return Centers under the Directorate General of Migration Management, where irregular migrants are gathered with the aim of repatriation to their home countries. The study explores the incidents, causes, consequences, and security issues encountered during this process. As part of the research, interviews were conducted with Afghan migrants who were willing to participate. These interviews provided insights into their experiences before migration, during their journey, and after arriving in Türkiye. The interviews shed light on the experiences of migrants, including the struggles they face, their reasons for migration, and the impact of their journey on their lives. Additionally, the study delves into the role of the Tuzla Repatriation Center, located in Istanbul’s Tuzla district and operated by the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. Despite the confidential nature and ever-changing data at the center, the research attempts to provide a comprehensive understanding of its operations and the experiences of the migrants housed there. The findings of this study are significant in understanding the complexities of migration, the role of repatriation centers, and the effects of state policies on the lives and experiences of migrants. The research provides valuable insights into the challenges and potential policy implications of managing migration and offers potential pathways for addressing these issues effectively.

The Perils of Global Governance: Why has the European Union Failed to Address Corruption in Kosovo?

Paul Persaud — 2024-08-13

Since the Kosovo War ended on June 10, 1999, the European Union (EU) has allocated vast influxes of official development assistance (ODA) to Kosovo, including humanitarian aid, technical assistance and financial grants. In large, this support has sought to facilitate accountable, democratic governance that fosters ‘uncorrupt’ institutions within the country. Although the EU has made considerable advances in this pursuit, Kosovo’s public institutions remain riddled with corruption, notably access payments, which impede the development of transparent governing bodies. Accordingly, this paper conducts a critical analysis to assess why the European Union has been unable to address widespread corruption in Kosovo. It contends that during the international post-conflict reconstruction of Kosovo, the EU provided ODA to local political elites who used such resources to establish clientelist networks that undermine accountable, democratic governance. This advent created ‘path dependency’, making institutional reform difficult thereafter. Second, ODA programs from the EU have imposed market-oriented reforms that have directly and indirectly nurtured clientelism when implemented.

The Evolution of Human Rights and the Legal Framework for Genocide Prevention: From the Holocaust to Rwanda

Sümer Esin Şenyurt — 2024-08-13

Human rights are inherent entitlements that individuals possess by virtue of their humanity. Throughout history, various atrocities and inhumane acts have occurred, with the First and Second World Wars exemplifying the most severe massacres. The crime of genocide was first legally addressed in the United Nations Genocide Convention within the framework of International Law. Genocide is considered one of the gravest violations of human rights under international humanitarian law. The Holocaust during the Second World War, perpetrated by the Nazis, and the genocide in Rwanda are prominent examples that elicited significant international backlash, prompting legal sanctions against such heinous acts. This article aims to elucidate the concept of genocide and its historical evolution, examining the rulings of international criminal courts on genocide. By analyzing the Holocaust and the Rwanda genocide, the study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of genocide as a crime against humanity influenced by international issues, geopolitical dynamics, and colonialism.