Illinois State University School of Communication’s Post

I am delighted to announce that I'll be delivering a keynote lecture on the 20th of June as part of my Guest Professorship in the University of Innsbruck. If you are around, please drop by... Solving International Conflicts Through Mediation? On the Significance of Contemporary 3rd Party Interventions June 20, 2024, 18.30-20.00HS 1 (SoWi) Universitätsstraße 15, 6020 Innsbruck   About the lecture This keynote presentation by Ahmet Sözen will examine notions of 3rd party intervention – particularly mediation – processes in the solution and irresolution of protracted conflicts through the conceptual lenses of international relations, especially utilizing different levels of analysis, as well as peace and conflict studies. In this presentation, the focus will be on three cases: (1) solution(s) of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, (2) solution(s) of the War in Gaza; Israel-Palestine and broader Israel-Arab conflict, and (3) the solution of the Cyprus conflict and its spillover effects. Here, the goal is to get the audience engaged in evaluation and rethinking of 3rd party intervention (mediation) processes in various levels (individual, societal, state and systemic) in the solution/irresolution of conflicts. The presentation will draw on scholarly and practical applied knowledge and experiences so that the audience will have a comprehensive understanding of the complexity of 3rd party intervention/mediation in conflict situations. #conflict #thirdpartyintervention #mediation #Ukraine #Cyprus #WarinGaza #israelpalestine Universität Innsbruck #keynotelecture  

Are we now in the midst of a “Cold War” between the US and China? Or are we confronting something much more complex, possibly quite unique in terms of the history of international relations? China it is true bears more than a passing resemblance to the old Soviet Union. Meantime, Xi JinPing does not try to hide his admiration for the old communist superpower; indeed continues to mourn its passing. Yet there is so much about the PRC which is diffferent to the USSR, both in terms of its economic prowess and the level of its integration into a world capitalist order upon which it has come to depend for its prosperity. The US once hoped China would become a ‘responsible stakeholder’. But that strategy failed. On the other hand, the US leans on the PRC in so many ways, including economically. Thus if the two countries descend - or according to some writers have already entered - into a genuine Cold War, the consequences both for them, and the world as a whole, could be catastrophic. It will be interesting to see how policy- makers in Beijing and Washington try and square this particular circle!

Moving on to Working Group 3 - Qualitative and participatory methods - meet the leader, Jaroslav Dvorak!🥳 Jaroslav Dvorak is a professor and the head of the Department of Public Administration and Politics at Klaipeda University in Lithuania. He has extensive research experience in evidence-based public policy making. Additionally, he serves as an associate editor for the Society and Politics section of the Heliyon journal. In 2023, he was a visiting professor at Jagellonian University in Krakow. His recent publications include contributions to the books City Diplomacy (2020) in the Palgrave Macmillan Series in Global Public Diplomacy, The Routledge Handbook of Nonprofit Communication (2022), and Participatory and Digital Democracy at the Local Level (2023). The mission of Working Group 3 - Qualitative and participatory methods: WG3 focuses on qualitative and participatory methods. The main topics addressed by this WG are 1) the applicability of these methods with regard to stakeholder involvement, 2) explaining complex situations by providing results in an understandable way to the general public. Interested in joining our Profeedback COST Action CA20112? Don't worry, it's never too late! Unlike other EU funding schemes, you can join a COST Action at any point, even if you were not involved in the proposal or kick-off. Learn more about COST Actions and how you can participate: https://lnkd.in/gx6Yihi Learn more about how to join Profeedback: https://lnkd.in/gUu9zerH #COST #COSTaction #Profeedback #WorkingGroup3 #EUResearch #PolicyEvaluation

Literature Review Insights 📚 Key Insights from International Relations Literature Diving into the literature on international relations reveals significant findings that can profoundly influence policy and practice. One key takeaway is the importance of understanding the historical context behind current diplomatic relations, as it often provides insight into present challenges and opportunities. This knowledge can inform better decision-making and foster more effective engagement strategies. How can we apply these insights to address the pressing challenges we face today? I encourage my network to reflect on how academic research can inform practical solutions in international relations and development. Let’s work together to bridge the gap between theory and practice for a more sustainable future. #LiteratureReview #PolicyInsights

It was a pleasure to lend my voice as a respondent at the Stephen Ellis lecture delivered by Koert Lindijer earlier this week. Complimentary to compelling reflections by Mr. Jelte van Wieren, Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and my colleague abdourahmane idrissa, I shared interventions centered on five points: 💡 History, Pluralism, and Democracy “The arrogance of [neocolonial] power” has its roots in colonial legacies. As governance indicators such as the #IIAG show stagnation, there is an urgent need to strengthen democratic institutions and double down on security sector reforms that uphold the rule of law. 💡 The Demographic Puzzle Africa’s youth present enormous potential, but closing the gap between this demographic dividend and skills to meet market needs remains a key challenge. 💡 Economic Growth vs. Equality Development must address not just the equality of process, but also the equality of outcomes, to ensure shared prosperity across the continent. 💡 African Agency in Global Relations As Africa redefines its role on the global stage, bold leadership is critical to overcoming both Western and Eastern dependencies. It’s time for Africans and Africanists to champion the continent’s advancement through strategic advocacy. 💡 Emerging Opportunities and Hope Supporting digital innovation, developing infrastructure through the lenses of the equality of outcomes, and fostering a political culture that values every African life as grievable will be instrumental in shaping Africa’s future. All these discussions were rooted in the understanding that Africa 🌍 holds a vital position in an increasingly multipolar world, navigating the complexities of a persistent ‘polycrisis.’ My thanks to the African Studies Centre Leiden for convening such a thought-provoking lecture and to all the participants who enriched the dialogue! #AfricanGovernance #Democracy #InclusiveDevelopment

It was a pleasure to be among distinguished African lawyers to discuss The Evolution of the Rule of Law in Africa at the 2nd African Academic Conference, which was organized by the Office of the Special Advisor on Africa led by UN Under Secretary General, Ms. Cristina Duarte. The conference was held at the UN Headquarters in New York, December 3-5. This session was on December 4, and was one of two sessions I participated in at the conference. I wish to thank the participants—my esteemed learned lawyers and jurists—on the panel: Muna Ndulo, Zenande Booi, Justice Joel Mwaura Ngugi, Chief Mary Lartey, and Hank Brinkmanship. My remarks on the panel and further reflections on the discussions are reflected in an essay posted on my Substack “The Rule of Law: A Reappraisal” (a link is available on my LinkedIn page).

Recently, I had the pleasure of providing support with the editing process of a Global Perspectives (University of California Press) special volume on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The topics encompassed in the volume are, inter alia, the following: the main characteristics of the region's public policy studies, outcomes of social research, elite preferences, or social movements and contentious politics. These are some of the articles: 1) Public Policy Studies and Research in the Arab World https://lnkd.in/e3Cq97hJ 2) Beyond “Academia”: Disseminating Knowledge in the Arab World https://lnkd.in/edvk6g9W 3) Economic, Social, and Political Elites in MENA Political Science https://lnkd.in/emctwc_X 4) The Islamic Cultural Heritage as a “Problem”: Is Arab Political Science Culturalist? https://lnkd.in/eEVBWz74 5) Reflections on the Study of Contentious Politics in the Middle East and North Africa https://lnkd.in/einbavpf

Have you made your dearest Christmas wish yet? 🎄 If not, we came up with an idea — to join the Foreign Policy Meetings in Memory of Vitaly Churkin! The Gorchakov Fund announces the call for application for the 3rd Youth Forum aimed at preserving the memory of an outstanding diplomat of our time Vitaly Churkin. What's in store for participants? 🔵Discussions on key issues on the international agenda 🔵Lectures from lead experts and statesmen 🔵Chance to hone skills and gain knowledge 🔵Networking with international experts from all over the world Who are welcome to attend? Rising experts from 18 to 30 years old: ✔️ researchers in the field of international relations, political scientists, economists, lawyers, and historians; ✔️ undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students from relevant universities; ✔️ international journalists; ✔️ representatives of community-based organisations dealing with international cooperation and public diplomacy; ✔️ rising diplomats and representatives of government agencies. Instructions to participate 1️⃣ Sign up on the English version of the Gorchakov Fund’s website or log in your account. 2️⃣ Navigate to ‘My projects’ section, click the ‘Create an application’ button and opt for the ‘Foreign Policy Meetings.’ 3️⃣ Fill in all the boxes of the form. 4️⃣ Attach an essay of up to 5,000 characters with spaces on one of the stated topics. 5️⃣ Enter the 'Submit an application' section and hit the button that look alike. ⏳ Applications are open till 12 January. Find more details on the website. https://lnkd.in/dkWv4jvU May 2025 be a year of new achievements — start it with a forum that opens doors to the future! #ChurkinMeetings

We have a new Two Minute Look about GOA's International Relations course. What drives global conflict—and how can we foster cooperation? This course takes students beyond the headlines to explore the context, causes, and consequences of today’s pressing global issues. International Relations also equips students with the knowledge and skills to understand and engage thoughtfully with global challenges. Hear from GOA Student Ambassador Parsa from The Bishop's School about how this course broadened his understanding of international politics and prepared him to think critically about global conflict and peace building. Listen to Parsa and explore the course more about the course here: https://lnkd.in/gYJyRdxx