European Rim Policy and Investment Council (ERPIC)
ERPIC is an independent non-partisan, non-profit, non-governmental organisation dedicated to the study of political and economic issues affecting the Eastern Mediterranean.
ERPIC runs three working programs that are at the core of its activities: the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Security Program; the Democracy and Rule of Law Program; and the Energy Program.
ERPIC produces and disseminates original electronic media content, such as interviews, presentations, special briefings, and conferences addressing international law and human rights, democracy building, regional security and energy matters in the Eastern Mediterranean region. ERPIC also organizes live roundtables and seminars featuring diplomats, academics and policymakers.
ERPIC is a founding member of the East Med Forum, an electronic, online discussion forum, the purpose of which is to serve as a platform for the exchange of information and ideas, facilitate intraregional cross-border, cross-industry and cross-cultural dialogue, which aims at creating a framework for regional cooperation.
Latest Videos
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The Recent Tensions in Syria and the Broader Eastern Mediterranean
The Recent Tensions in Syria and the Broader Eastern Mediterranean
Assaad Al Achi
Executive Director
Baytna
10 April 2024
The recent conflicts in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly following the dramatic incidents of October 7, have visibly intensified. Israeli military actions in Syria have notably increased, with airstrikes that reached deeper into Syrian territory than seen in previous years. These operations often target senior commanders from Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This heightened military activity is set against a backdrop of a seemingly subdued response from the Syrian government, which has limited its reactions to routine statements, thereby raising questions about the true extent of its sovereignty and control and the apparent dominance of Iranian influence within Syrian political and military frameworks. Lebanon, too, feels the reverberations of these tensions. The kinetic engagements along the Israeli-Lebanese border, primarily involving Hezbollah and Israeli forces, have led to significant security concerns and displacement of populations in northern Israel. This ongoing conflict has prompted discussions about potential strategies to either push Hezbollah back or to formalize border delineations through diplomatic channels, with the U.S. playing a mediating role in these negotiations.
#SyrianConflict #israelpalestineconflict
Assaad al-Achi is a Syrian economist and civil society activist based in Gaziantep, Turkey. He graduated from the American University of Beirut and INSEAD. He is currently executive director of Baytna Syria, a civil society support organization that seeks to be a hub for Syrian civil society organizations and empower them through capacity development and grants. -
The Municipality Elections in Turkey
The Municipality Elections in Turkey
Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak
Moshe Dayan Center and Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security
8 April 2024
#Turkey #TurkishPolitics #TurkeyElections
The recent municipal elections in Turkey have turned the political tides, as the opposition parties achieved sweeping victories across major urban centers like Istanbul and Ankara. This triumph may indicate potential shifts in the national political arena. The voter turnout, though varied, reflected a significant realignment, with the Republican People's Party (CHP) making unprecedented inroads into regions traditionally held by conservatives. The elections have exposed cracks within the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), fueled by internal discord and the broader, sometimes adverse, effects of national policies on local electoral outcomes. These developments suggest a brewing storm within Turkish politics, one that could redefine Erdogan's longstanding dominance. One of the most significant outcomes of these elections is the emergent role of the New Welfare Party. It has starkly positioned itself against Erdogan, particularly over Turkey's foreign policy maneuvers, especially its contentious relations with Israel amid ongoing regional conflicts. The municipal elections might influence Turkey's domestic policies and its dealings on the international stage, especially with key players like Israel, Greece, and Cyprus. The outcomes of these elections could very well chart a new course for Turkey, prompting a reevaluation of alliances and strategies both within and beyond its borders.
Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak, Ph.D (Tel Aviv University) is a researcher at the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies at Tel Aviv University, and an expert on contemporary Turkish politics and society. Hay is the editor of Turkeyscope, and a member of the Middle East Network Analysis Desk. He is a frequent guest on Israeli and international media, where he regularly appears to discuss contemporary Turkish issues.
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Turkish Local Elections Results
Turkish Local Elections Results
Diego Cupolo
Editor-in-Chief, Co-Founder
Turkey Recap
2 April 2024
The Republican People's Party (CHP) received the highest voter share in the Turkish local elections, marking a significant event as it's the first time this has happened under Erdogan's rule with the AKP (Justice and Development Party). This result has ignited hope among opposition supporters, despite the fact that local election outcomes do not directly translate to general election results. The success of the CHP's candidate in Istanbul is viewed as a sign that he could be a viable presidential contender in future elections. However, caution is advised as the AKP remains in power, and Turkey is currently facing economic challenges, including high inflation. The emergence of the New Welfare Party, a far-right conservative party, has provided conservative voters with an alternative to the AKP, weakening AKP's hold slightly. This shift is attributed to discontent with the economy and AKP's policies towards Israel, suggesting a potential reconfiguration in conservative Turkish politics.
Economic crises and dissatisfaction with government policies have led to increased support for the opposition. The local elections showcased strategic voting, with Kurdish voters and others aligning with opposition candidates in key areas, potentially decreasing polarization and indicating a shift in the political landscape. The political future of Turkey remains uncertain with speculation about Erdogan's potential successors and the role of new and existing political parties. Economic policies, national and global politics, and coalition dynamics are key factors that will shape the upcoming elections and Turkey's political trajectory.
Diego Cupolo is an Editor-in-chief "Turkey recap". Follow him on X: https://twitter.com/DiegoCupolo; https://twitter.com/Turkeyrecap
#Turkey #TurkishLocalElections #TurkishPolitics -
Israeli Domestic Policy in the Context of the Israel-Hamas War
Israeli Domestic Policy in the Context of the Israel-Hamas War
Dr. Elie Friedman
Head of Communication Division
Department of Multidisciplinary Studies
Ashkelon Academic College
28 February 2024
Ellie Friedman discusses Israel's complex situation, highlighting the domestic political landscape amidst an ongoing conflict with Hamas, spurred by a catastrophic October 7 Hamas terrorist attack against Israel. The situation has forced Israel into a war, with domestic politics closely intertwined with its foreign policy and military actions, challenging Prime Minister Netanyahu's leadership and the stability of his government. An international plan, led by the Biden administration and supported by Arab states, proposes a roadmap towards peace, including a Palestinian state and the restructuring of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza, with Netanyahu facing critical decisions on a hostage release deal that could impact his coalition. These decisions are pivotal amidst domestic political pressures, public protests, and Netanyahu's personal legal challenges, with potential consequences for early elections or government instability.
Elie Friedman (PhD) serves as Head of the International Relations Office as well as Head of the Communications Division at the Department of Multidisciplinary Studies, Ashkelon Academic College. His academic rank is Senior Lecturer. He also serves as an adjunct lecturer at School of Communication, Bar-Ilan University, and a visiting lecturer at University of Maryland. His interests include political discourse in national and international contexts with an emphasis on conflict resolution, media, and public diplomacy.
#israelhamaswar #israelpalestineconflict #netanyahu -
The Syrian Civil War: Background and Recent Developments
The Syrian Civil War: Background and Recent Developments
Assaad Al Achi
Executive Director
Baytna
26 September 2023 -
The Latest Developments in the Eastern Mediterranean
The Latest Developments in the Eastern Mediterranean
Vice Admiral (Ret.) Vassilis Martzoukos
Hellenic Institute for Strategic Studies
14 December 2023 -
Egypt's Outlook towards the Eastern Mediterranean
Egypt's Outlook towards the Eastern Mediterranean
Karim Haggag
Professor of Practice
The American University of Cairo
23 November 2023 -
Turkish-Israeli Relations after the Hamas's October 7 Attack
Turkish-Israeli Relations after Hamas's October 7 Attack
Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak
Moshe Dayan Center and Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security
9 November 2023
Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak, Ph.D (Tel Aviv University) is a researcher at the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies at Tel Aviv University, and an expert on contemporary Turkish politics and society. Hay is the editor of Turkeyscope, and a member of the Middle East Network Analysis Desk. He is a frequent guest on Israeli and international media, where he regularly appears to discuss contemporary Turkish issues.
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https://twitter.com/Erpic1 -
The Latest Developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh
The Latest Developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh
Masis Der Parthogh
Managing Director
Financial Mirror
2 October 2023
Masis Der Parthogh is Second generation bilingual journalist/editor with wide experience in the print and online news media industry since 1983 (writing, editing, production-layout) having worked at the Cyprus Weekly, Financial Mirror and Cyprus Mail newspapers, correspondent for the dpa News Agency, contributor and co-editor of trade and other magazines (Cyprus Gourmet, Moto-Kinisi, Cyprus Diplomatist), freelance copywriting work for advertising and PR agencies, photography, Web TV production.
Visit us at: www.erpic.org
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Erpic1