This article analyzes Japan's ambitious 2050 net-zero emissions target and its effects on energy security with a primary focus on the strategic role of hydrogen technology Japan's energy security dilemma lies in its dependence on fossil fuels and nuclear power, and the challenges of transitioning to renewable energy sources. Understanding how Japan's 2050 Net-Zero Vision shapes its foreign and security policies is essential, especially as hydrogen technology plays a central role in these changes. This work posits that while Japan's hydrogen ambitions offer promise, the challenge of balancing energy security with net-zero goals is complex. The high costs of hydrogen production and ongoing reliance on fossil fuels complicate Japan's energy transition and international energy partnerships. The article employs a political economy framework to evaluate the feasibility and practicality of Japan's hydrogen-centric energy strategy, taking into account both domestic policy implications and its impact on global alliances. Why environmental and climate security is often secondary to economic security in energy discussions requires further examination. The article presents theoretical perspectives on the reduction of fossil fuel dependence, the enhancement of energy self-sufficiency, and the advancement of technologies that can mitigate long-term vulnerabilities. Hydrogen plays a pivotal role in Japan's energy and climate agenda, serving as a cornerstone for both domestic objectives and international collaboration. Furthermore, the article analyses Japan's hydrogen collaborations with ASEAN and Middle Eastern countries, along with the geopolitical and economic implications. This study identifies the opportunities and challenges in Japan's transition to new energy sources and examines the broader implications of Japan's energy security for global energy dynamics. The article maps the scope of major challenges Japan faces in balancing its net-zero targets—a critical issue for both regional and global policy—while ensuring its energy security.
"This report, compiled with the initiatives of TÜBA International Relations Working Group, analyses the historical, current and future dimensions of the Israeli- Palestinian War in the light of theoretical literature and recent data. On 7 October 2023, the armed attacks by the military wing of Hamas targeting Israeli settlers and the ‘Operation Iron Swords’ launched by Israel in response to the attacks caused serious concerns in the international community in the context of humanitarian crisis and global chaos. The multi-actor nature, impact and historical origins of the Palestinian-Israeli War have made it necessary to examine this issue once again by focusing on historical ruptures. Israel’s disproportionate reprisals, violations of established international norms and laws of war/conflict, and attacks on civilians, including hospitals, have had/are having serious repercussions on international relations and the Middle East region in particular. The report’s findings indicate that the events in the region have led to a realization of the humanitarian crises in the Palestinian territories. This has resulted in a shift away from the traditional poweroriented pro-Israel stance, following domestic protests by countries that rejected the humanitarian tragedy in the Gaza Strip. However, due to the unfair structural and institutional bias of national and international politics, individual, academic and scientific freedom is still under extreme pressure to protect Israel."
Bu çalışma artan Japonya- İsrail ilişkilerinin bir sonucu olarak Japonya'nın İsrail- Filistin çatışmasında muhtemel arabulucu aktörü olmasını ele almaktadır. Ortadoğu bölgesine coğrafi uzaklığına rağmen Japonya'nın Filistin meselesindeki hassasiyeti, siyasi tarihte yerini almıştır. Ancak daha yakından bakıldığı zaman, Japonların Ortadoğu'daki devletler arasında ilk olarak İsrail'i tanıdıkları görülmüştür. Bunun gibi ilginç birçok olayın neticesinde, Japonya'nın Ortadoğu ile ilişkileri oldukça önem arz etmeye devam etmiştir. Amerika ve İsrail ittifakı ile Arapların arasında kalmış olan Japonların, Ortadoğu politikası niteliksel anlamda önemli değişimlerin eşiğindedir. Bu değişimin, İsrail- Filistin çatışmasında oynanmak istenen arabuluculuk rolü ile nasıl hayata geçirilmeye çalışıldığı, bu çalışma boyunca analiz edilmiştir. Çalışma Japonya’nın Ortadoğu ile ilişkilerinin tarihine dair önemli bir literatür taraması işlevi de görmeyi amaçlamıştır. Çalışma Japonya’nın Ortadoğu’da hassas dengeler üzerine kurulu ekonomi politikasının ve dış politikasının tarihini, Filistin meselesi bağlamında irdelemiştir. Nihayetinde belli konularda ve zamanlarda Japon otoritelerin, ABD’nin isteklerine nasıl direnebildiği anlaşılmıştır. Çalışmanın en ayırıcı sonucu ise, İsrail'in ve Japonya’nın bilinmeyen karşılıklı bağımlılık alanlarını vurgulamış olmasıdır.
This article examines core-periphery dynamics within global international relations (IR), focusing on how intellectual history informs the ongoing dialogue between the core, primarily the United Kingdom and the United States, and the 'periphery', representing the rest of the world. The study critically engages with Turton's conceptualisations of cores and explores how the concept of the periphery can be rethought to promote a more inclusive global IR framework. The article uses qualitative methods, including content analysis of key reference texts and historical sources, to examine the evolution of the core-periphery divide. The concept of epistemological freedom is discussed, prompting the question of whether a convergence of epistemologies or the pursuit of independent epistemic freedom is a more attainable objective for the expansion and diversification of the intellectual foundation of global IR. The importance of dialogue in reshaping the discipline is emphasized, and the potential of civilizational discourse to advance Global IR is considered. However, the article critically assesses whether such a discourse may inadvertently promote exceptionalism and essentialism. Ultimately, the article argues for a more balanced and pluralistic approach to global knowledge production that integrates perspectives from historically marginalized regions to challenge the traditional centre/periphery binary and promote intellectual diversity in the discipline. Drawing on the insights of scholars such as Shahi, Moshirzadeh and Kuru as well, the article explores the complexities of establishing genuine dialogue and inclusivity within IR, considering alternative approaches such as Shahi's 'dialogic approach' and Kuru's emphasis on global intellectual history.
This chapter explores the evolving role of young academies in global science diplomacy, focusing on the development and prominence of the Turkish Young Academy. Affiliated with the Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA) and rooted in TÜBA's GEBIP programme, the Turkish Young Academy exemplifies how institutional support and structured mentorship can empower early-career researchers. By comparing it with other institutions, such as the Global Young Academy (GYA), Die Junge Akademie (Germany), De Jonge Akademie (the Netherlands), Junge Kurie (Austria) and the Young Academy of Japan, the chapter reveals common features in terms of governance, membership, funding and international engagement. It is known that young academies are assuming an increasingly pivotal role in science diplomacy thanks to their international partnerships and memberships. They serve as bridges between generations, providing platforms for innovation, collaboration, and global dialogue. Their contributions extend beyond science into public trust, policy influence and international cooperation. The Turkish Young Academy is well placed to strengthen regional and global connections, demonstrating how the next generation of scholars can influence and maintain science diplomacy in an era that requires an inclusive, adaptable and forward-thinking approach to science.
Türkiye, son yıllarda uygulamaya koyduğu “Milli Teknoloji Hamlesi” ile yerli üretimde önemli adımlar atmıştır ve Türkiye’nin bu alandaki ivmesi kendi düzeyindeki ülkeler arasında belirgindir. Özellikle de milli savunma sanayisindeki ilerleme açıkça görülmektedir. Bununla birlikte milli ve yerli üretim çabaları bu alanla sınırlı kalmamış sağlıktan eğitime, ulaşımdan bilişime kadar birçok alana yayılmıştır. Yeni teknolojilerin önde gelen konusu olan blokzinciri teknolojisi de Türkiye’nin stratejik milli teknoloji hedefleri arasındaki yerini çoktan almıştır. Finans, ticaret ve bilişim başta olmak üzere birçok sektörde Türkiye’de kullanıma alınan blokzinciri teknolojisi üzerine ülke literatürü de önemli bir mesafe kat etmiştir. Bu noktada Web of Science (WoS) veri tabanlarında yapılacak karşılaştırmalı bir akademik literatür büyüme analizi ile blokzinciri konusunda dünyanın ve Türkiye’nin durumunu açıklayacak bir çalışmanın önemi de artmıştır. Bu bakımdan araştırmamızda ülkelerin ulusal inovasyon sistemleri içerisinde yer alan Ar-Ge ve bilim politika çalışmaları, ulusal ve uluslararası literatür kapsamındaki blokzinciri araştırmaları üzerinden incelenmiştir. Bu düzlemde hazırlanan ve bilimsel literatürün dizinlendiği veri tabanlarında yapılan analizlerde gelişmiş ülkelerin blokzinciri teknolojisine yönelik araştırma ve kullanım alanlarının Türkiye’ninki ile benzerlik gösterdiği saptanmıştır. Tüm dünya ölçeğinde yapılan araştırmada Asya ülkelerinin blokzinciri teknolojisi üzerine yapılan yayınlarda başı çektiği görülmüştür. Uygulama ve patent sayılarında yine Asya’daki kurumlar önde gelirken Türkiye’de üniversite müfredatlarında blokzinciri üzerine dersler başlatılmıştır. Ayrıca finans ve bankacılık sisteminde yer alan kurumlar başta olmak üzere Türkiye’nin milli teknoloji hamlesinin paydaş kamu kurumları ve özel şirketleri tarafından bu teknolojinin kullanıma alındığı ve günden güne geliştirdiği görülmüştür. Bu teknoloji özelinde Türkiye’de sektörel düzeydeki ilgi ve kullanım dünya seviyesini büyük ölçüde yakalarken kaynak ayırma ve önceliklendirme açısından blokzinciri teknolojisi üzerine daha çok odaklanılması gerektiği görülmüştür.
This article examines the effects of terrorist groups in Japan during the latter part ofthe 1990s on issues such as national security, social structures, and religion. In additionto being a leading economy and academic research centre, Japan is one of the world’s topcountries regarding tolerance, respect, and social harmony. However, Japan’s economicsuccess has resulted not only in prosperity yet in some social unease and unrest. Althoughthe murder of Abe Shinzo in June 2022 has become the country’s top agenda item, there isnot enough literature on domestic terrorism in Japan. There were two terrorist organizationsin Japan (the AUM and the Japan Red Army). Their dreadful political and military repercussionsare still being felt today. At first impression, it appears that Japan approachesthe fight against terrorism from a human security perspective rather than a governmentalconcern. Human security evolved due to the alteration of traditional security attitudesfollowing the Cold War’s conclusion and the investigation of new security challengesbased on individualizing the sources of insecurity. However, how can it be explained thatJapan’s security concerns were primarily focused on human security throughout the ColdWar? Because of its unique status, the perception of terrorism and the struggle againstterrorism in a pacifist culture are exceptional cases.
Son yıllarda gündeme oldukça sık yer kaplayan bir konu sanal paralar, özelde ise Bitcoin’dir. II. Dünya Savaşı sonrası yerleşik bir sistem haline gelen dolar sistemi, yeni nesil para birimi olan Bitcoin ile sınanır hale gelmiştir. Bitcoin’in içinden geldiği sanal para sisteminin mevcut sistem ile muhtemel uyumu ve aykırılığı, farklı boyutları ile irdelenmektedir. Bitcoin sanal para biriminin çalışma sistemine göre para transferleri aracılar ve bankalar olmadan yapılır. Bu yüzden ortada işlem bedeli ve gerçek gönderici ismi yoktur. Bu durum entegrasyon sürecinin en kırılgan başlığıdır. Yine de Bitcoin’in katlanarak ve dalgalanarak devam eden değer artışı, ona dair entegrasyon tartışmalarının sürmesine sebep olmaktadır. Buradan hareketle Bitcoin’in yapısı özelinde, sanal paraların finans sistemine entegrasyonu ele alınmaya değer bir konu haline gelmiştir. Özellikle de İslami finans gibi gelişim potansiyeli bulunan alanlarda da kripto paralar oldukça yeni bir başlık olarak karşımıza çıkmıştır. Bu konuda finansal teknolojileri ve bilişim altyapısını bir araya getirecek çalışmalara duyulan ihtiyaç gün geçtikçe artmıştır. Böylece bu çalışma Bitcoin'in uluslararası finans sistemlerine entegrasyonunu belli açılardan ele almaktadır. Nihayetinde, Blockchain adıyla tamamen yeni bir sistem getiren sanal paraların mevcut uluslararası finans sistemlerine, kendi işleyiş biçiminden ve yapısından ödünler vermeden bütünleşmesinin mümkün olmadığı ileri sürülmektedir.
“Bilişim Teknolojileri ve İletişim: Birey ve Toplum Güvenliği” adlı çalışma; TÜBA-Bilişim Teknolojileri ve İletişim Çalışma Grubu öncülüğünde Boğaziçi Üniversitesi’nde gerçekleştirilen “Bilişim Teknolojisi ve İletişim: İnternet ve Toplumsal Etkileri” başlıklı çalıştayın ardından hazırlanan çok sayıda bilim insanı ve alanında uzman isimlerin kaleme aldığı tespit, öngörü ve analizlerinden oluşuyor. TÜBA’nın “bilimsel konular ve bilimsel önceliklerin saptanması amacıyla incelemelerde bulunmak ve danışmanlık yapma” görevi kapsamında yayımlanan eser, bilişim teknolojilerindeki değişim ve dönüşümün bilim insanları tarafından kapsamlı ve multidisipliner bakış açısıyla ele alıyor.
This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of international scientific research articles indexed in the Web of Science to explore how philanthropic organizations are represented in sustainability literature. The study aims to contribute to the conceptual understanding of research on philanthropy and sustainability, which are critical areas for addressing global issues such as poverty, social inequality, and climate change. The research questions addressed by the study include identifying productive authors and institutions, country productivity, collaboration patterns, and prioritized topics and trends. The analysis reveals the most productive countries in the field, as well as the universities and scholars that produce the most research. Researchers prioritize topics such as "corporate social responsibility," sustainable development, and environmental sustainability. Collaboration patterns suggest a need for more cross-border collaboration to address global challenges effectively. The study's implications for policymakers, philanthropic organizations, and scholars include the development of more effective policies, the identification of areas for focus, and the advancement of the field's research agenda.
This article examines the evolution of the institutional political economy of Japan from feudal to modern times and conceptualizes the origins of the Zaibatsu (financial clique of Japan) heritage, which has been around for centuries. The historical events were considered based on their impact on economic transformation while the methodology is based on the theoretical framework of institutional economics. In this way, the Japanese economy has been examined from a variety of angles within the contexts of the Edo Period, Meiji Reforms, and World Wars. We assert that there is a historical continuity between the rice field property reforms of the Edo Period and the success of the zaibatsu. The linkages between the state, business, and labor illuminate the economic evolution of Japan, which is clearly stated throughout the research with regard to the material and nonmaterial components. As a result, while distinguishing itself from the enormous and present literature on the Japanese economy, this study stresses rice field reforms and their continued repercussions on the main institutions of Japan’s economic miracle.
This work analyses the escalation of the India–Pakistan conflict in 2025 and its regional and global consequences. Rather than viewing the crisis merely as a bilateral standoff, it is considered as a complex geopolitical challenge shaped by historical grievances, nuclear deterrence dynamics, internal politics and shifting regional alliances. The aim is to develop a more nuanced understanding of the crisis through a balanced, multidimensional approach that prioritises critical analysis over attribution of responsibility. Drawing on qualitative research and process-tracing methods, the study evaluates the evolution of this conflict across time, comparing current developments with earlier episodes of tension. It draws from a wide range of sources, including the latest academic literature, diplomatic communications, media discourse, and think tank assessments. Particular attention is paid to how national narratives, crisis management patterns, and public perception influence the trajectory of escalation or de-escalation. The work also reflects on the broader implications of the conflict for international security, given that both Pakistan and India are nuclear-armed states. The risks of miscalculation or limited war escalating into a broader catastrophe remain acute. In this regard, the potential roles of third parties, especially Türkiye, are analysed. Türkiye's evolving foreign policy, diplomatic tradition and regional engagement position it as a potential mediator in the resolution of international tensions. Unlike most Western-centric accounts, this research effectively contextualises the crisis by examining Türkiye's historical and strategic alignment, its role in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and its potential diplomatic opportunities. The study addresses the security concerns of both sides equally sensitively across five scenarios, emphasising the urgent need to restore diplomatic channels and multilateral dialogue.
The National Technology Initiative of Türkiye, which it has been putting into action over the past several years, has enabled the country to make significant advancements in domestic production and Türkiye’s momentum in this sector is obvious among nations that are on the same level as Türkiye. The accomplishments in sectors of the national defense industry are particularly noteworthy. However, attempts to increase production on a national and domestic scale were not confined to only one domain; rather, they were dispersed throughout multiple sectors, including health, education, transportation and informatics. Blockchain technology which is now one of the most emerging topics in the context of new technologies has already demonstrated itself as one of Türkiye’s strategic national technological priorities. A large number of works have also been published in Türkiye addressing the significance of blockchain technology, which has found application in various areas of the country’s economy, most notably in the fields of banking, business and information technology. At this point, the importance of a study that will explain the position of the world and Türkiye in the context of blockchain with a comparative scholarly literature growth analysis to be made in Web of Science (WoS) databases has also increased. This chapter examines the R&D and scientific policies of countries from the viewpoint of blockchain research in the context of national and international literature. According to the result of the analyses carried out in the databases of scientific literature, the research and application areas of blockchain technology in Türkiye are comparable to those that exist in developed nations. Moreover, another result of analyses scanning the world’s scientific literature shows that Asian nations have more scientific works pertaining to blockchain technology. The number of applications and patents also filed by companies is the highest in Asia. On the other hand, the universities in Türkiye have recently begun to include coursework on blockchain technology in their programs. In addition, particularly the institutions in the country’s financial and banking system the public institutions and private companies of Türkiye have focused on the country’s national technology initiative and thus technology is continuing to develop on a daily basis. Despite the fact that interest in and utilization of this technology on a sectoral level in Türkiye catch up partially with its global level, it is important to focus more on blockchain technology in terms of resource allocation and prioritization.
The cult previously known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, called the Unification Church (UC), was launched to the forefront of public discussion around the globe following the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe in July 2022. The cult itself is no stranger to controversy given its history, however, this incident was particularly disruptive as Japan faced a politician’s assassination motivated by social problems caused by a Christian religious group along with the revelation of widespread connections between the said group and the ruling political party. This chain of events inflicted a damaging influence on Japan’s democracy, an outcome that requires a closer inspection of its roots. To achieve such a goal, this study turns toward factors that allowed the UC to achieve political influence in Japan during the country's pre- and post-World War II political history. In addition, religious groups in Japan, including controversial cults such as Aum Shinrikyo and the UC provide important case studies in public relations and fast development under the title of the “cult controversy”. However, many of the previous studies were insufficient regarding their scope, and there was no uniform technique for presenting or assessing the usually brief opinions on the UC's actual overall influence on Japan's democratic system. However, many of the previous studies were limited in scope. Moreover, there were only a few uniform techniques for presenting or assessing views on the core/overall influence of UC on Japan's democratic system. This study aims to expand the limitations of the literature by bridging previous views based on the historical and recent factors. Through qualitative analysis of archival data as well as existing literature, it is found that the rivalries of certain political figures, pre-WWII rivalries rooted in political ideological differences, and Occupation-era policies were factors that allowed UC to take root in Japan. These factors were explored to reveal early perspectives on UC. As a result, it is found that the rapid and deep organization of UC paved the way for political expansion in post-WWII Japan at the expense of potential social problems.
This book, prepared by TÜBA, with a thematic focus on the National Technology Initiative, conveys to the literature, scientifically and methodically, the experiences and insights gained at every level of Türkiye’s technological success. Scientists, technology managers, and decision-makers have contributed 37 chapters for the home and national technology and innovation project, which encompasses fields ranging from health to transportation, military to education, and industry to space. Future initiatives in research, R&D and innovation will be able to take inspiration from Türkiye’s National Technology Initiative scientific and humanitarian road map, which continues to march confidently toward its goal of becoming a model of total technical and innovative achievement. The book has distinguished itself as a unique contribution to international scientific literature, having been developed as a worldwide reference source in Turkish and English.
This research explores the effects of publications and scientific partnerships on autonomous and robotic systems in air and space technology using the STEEP-V bibliometric analysis method. The role of international collaboration in creating the future of autonomous and robotic systems is emphasized, and keyword analysis is undertaken to identify new ideas and concepts that are expected to gain prominence in the field. The use of autonomous and robotic systems has increased in the aerospace sector, with applications spanning from vehicle design and assembly to inspection and maintenance. VAVs controlled by computer programs or remote operators are used for a variety of purposes, including surveillance, delivery, and search and rescue. The article provides valuable insights into the emerging features of autonomous and robotic systems in air and space technology and emphasizes the importance of international cooperation to address the challenges and opportunities.
This article deals with the political-economy of Japan’s foreign policy toward the Middle East from 1973 to 2001, focusing on the impact of energy supply. As an unusual example, the foreign and security policies of Japan, a pacifist state, continues to be a popular topic of scholarly researches in the field of International Relations. While the demand for energy has become an essential factor for all countries in modern times, the methods that used meet this need vary by country. In the political crises regarding energy, even aggressive foreign policy instruments were engaged, and alternative foreign policy orientations were discussed. Thus, Japan’s foreign policy following the 1973 Oil Crisis is a topic worthy of discussion owing to its special character. The success of Japan, a country where the use of force is rigorously limited by its constitution, in securitizing the Middle East region, has not yet been thoroughly examined. Previous research focused only on these accomplishments in terms of a return to militarism or a commitment to pacifi sm. However, the underlying philosophy of Japanese aid, as well as the grey zones it provides in foreign policy, have not been extensively addressed. This study contributes a new perspective on energy in Japanese foreign policy from 1973 to 2001. While the political-economy of Japanese diplomacy dates back to the time, the fundamental features of Japanese foreign policy are listed. As a result, Japan’s use of economic power with ODA throughout the period became a model for other countries looking to play an active role in the region.
