Transatlantic Relations and Türkiye's Role in the Trump Era was discussed at Altınbaş University
Recently, Altınbaş University hosted the event Transatlantic Relations and Türkiye in the Trump Era.
Altınbaş University addressed the turbulent agenda of world politics with an important panel organized on April 10, 2025. The event, titled Transatlantic Relations and Türkiye in the Trump Era, featured comprehensive evaluations on the transformation of the United States in foreign policy, Europe's search for new security, the changing balance in the Middle East and Türkiye's position.
The event started with the opening speech of Prof. Dr. Tolga Demiryol, Dean of Altınbaş University Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences. In his speech, Demiryol pointed out that the sudden decisions taken during the Trump era caused great uncertainties in international relations and said, “With Trump back in power, we are witnessing the last periods of the liberal international order.”
Remarkable assessments from experts
The event was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Akif Bahadır Kaynak and the panel included experts in their fields such as Retired Ambassador Uluç Özülker, Prof. Dr. Sinem Akgül Açıkmeşe and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şadan İnan Rüma.
Retired Ambassador Uluç Özülker evaluated America's history and current politics. Commenting on the possibility of Trump's re-election, he said, “If Trump was re-elected, it is partly thanks to Biden,” drawing attention to the shortcomings of the current administration. Özülker also touched upon the rise of China and said, “America has very little time left to regain its former power. That's why Trump says 'Make America Great Again',” Özülker said.
Does Trump have a plan?
Responding to moderator Kaynak's question “Does Trump have a plan?”, Prof. Dr. Sinem Akgül Açıkmeşe said, “There is no easy answer to this question,” adding that Trump has created a serious break in transatlantic relations and from a European perspective, this has devastating effects.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şadan İnan Rüma responded to the same question by saying, “They have a clear plan and they are very eager and persistent to implement it,” with a particular emphasis on the new US tariff policies and their impact on the global economy.
In summary, the event also discussed developments in the Middle East, Israel's role in the region, the Ukraine-Russia war, Europe's security strategies and Türkiye's place in this global equation. The panel ended with questions and evaluations of the participants.
Hosted by Altınbaş University, this high-quality event made an important intellectual contribution to understanding global politics.
We would like to thank our esteemed guests and all participants who took part in the event.