Incek Debates
‘Let’s talk about foreign policy’
The Incek Debatesis a civil society initiative, intended for an open and in-depth analysis of issues having an impact on Turkey’s defence, security, foreign policy and international relations, in a multinational setting. These debates bring together foreign experts working in related fields, public servants, officers and other officials in foreign embassies in Ankara with Turkish scholars and researchers, journalists, MPs, former policymakers, advisors, diplomats and other practitioners. Civil and military officials who are currently occupying relevant posts are also invited as speakers or participants. Debates are open to public and widest participation is encouraged. However, due to space limitations, advance registration is required and some of the debates are by invitation only.[1]
The Incek Debatesserves as an informed and independent voice in policy debates by providing a constructive forum for exchange of ideas and information between key stakeholders. The main aim is to develop and improve mutual understanding in perceptions, policies, interests, limitations and hurdles, thereby contributing to a better decision-making environment in which regional security and stability as well as Euro-Atlantic relations can be more efficiently dealt with. We aim to bridge the gap between knowledge and political power by linking Turkish policymakers and other stake holders to the academic world, by identifying, articulating and evaluating current or emerging issues, problems, and by transforming ideas into policy options for policy formulation and implementation.
We consider the active role and viability of think-tanks a critical indicator of a healthy democracy and see such debates as an essential means of democratic participation. Because, as long as the ‘state’ remains the sole provider of information and analysis, the society as a whole is deprived of critical means of addressing problems faced by the very public.
Debates may take the forms of conferences, public lectures, panels or roundtable discussions. The results of debates and analysis are made available to inform the policy debate by providing expert views or comments, publishing articles, newsletters, and by posting them on the Institute web-site. To these ends, 21. Century Turkey Institute also aims to participate in debates in Parliamentary Committees/sub-committees, reaching out to the media and improving cooperation with other think tanks—Turkish, foreign and international alike.
Debates are held in English[2], organised and chaired by the Director, Dr. Haldun Solmazturk.
Contact:
The Incek Debates
21. Yüzyıl Türkiye Enstitüsü Ahlatlıbel Mah. 1830. Sokak No.39
06805 İncek/Çankaya
Ankara Turkey
Tel: + 90 (0) 312-489 1801, x.114
+44 (0) 7448 7777 62 (GSM)
Fax: 90 (0) 312-489 1802
[1]In some debates, Chatham House Rule may apply; that is “participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed”.
[2]Limited Turkish translation can be used in order to benefit from expert inputs and/or during Q & A.
