Geopolitics from below: Student perceptions of contemporary US-Turkey relations
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2008
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Gokmen M, M. de Socio, and G.W. Falah. 2008. Geopolitics from below: Student perceptions of contemporary US-Turkey relations. The Arab World Geographer 11(1-2): 18-46
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Abstract
This paper analyzes a survey involving 288 participants from three Turkish universities (Sabanci University, Gebze Institute of Technology, and Istanbul University) that was carried out to evaluate and analyze students’ opinions on U.S.–Turkey bilateral relations. This survey was intended to ascertain the wider geopolitical perspectives of Turkish university students on the relationship between the two countries. It attempted to give a voice to those actually affected by policies emerging from this bilateral relationship, and thus open another empirical and “grounded” window on the students’ perceptions of bilateral situations. The survey asks a range of questions about the nature of U.S.–Turkey relations, current constraints and obstacles in the relationship, and the future prospects and strengths of ties between the two countries. The survey results reveal an increased scrutiny of the viability of this strategic partnership, especially given the impact of the U.S. war in Iraq and its ramifications for Iraqi and Turkish Kurds.