• SHQIPËRI
  • KOSOVË
  • MAQEDONIA E VERIUT
  • MALI I ZI
  • Revista në PDF
16 June, 2025
Edicion Special
  • Home
  • OP/ED

    Crisis-Born, Purpose-Seeking: Can the EPC Define Europe’s Strategic Future?

    Serbia’s Request to the ICJ Turned Resolution 1244 into a Closed Chapter and Kosovo’s Independence into an Internationally Recognized Reality

    Unpredictable world

    Promoting Arab Culture and Language in the Framework of Cultural Diversity and Dialogue.

    ‘A Tragic Circus’: Albanian PD Figures Lash Out After LaCivita-Backed Campaign Collapses

    Erosion of Liberal Democracy in Europe Complicates Canada’s Search for Like-Minded Allies

    The single biggest treat to Europe’s security still not (adequately) tackled by the OSCE

    Diplomacy, State-Building, and Memory: Germany’s role in Kosovo through a scholarly lens

    When Elephants Fight: What Trump’s Trade War Means for the Balkans

  • Interview

    The Conclusion of the Diplomatic Mission / Ambassador Dancho Markovski: Strengthening Albania-North Macedonia Relations for a Shared European Future

    A Century of Diplomatic Relations Between Albania and Russia: Exclusive Interview with the Russian Ambassador to Albania, H.E. Alexey Zaytsev

    Exclusive/ The chairman of the Freedom Party, Ilir Meta: “The will of the citizens will triumph in Albania, as it did in North Macedonia”

    Exclusive/ The Russian Ambassador to Albania Mr. Mikhail Afanasiev: Russia only aims to end that war started by the West in Ukraine

    Exclusive/ Skopje’s top diplomat to Tirana, Dancho Markovski: OSCE Chairmanship a Project of National Importance for North Macedonia

    Exclusive interview of Croatian Ambassador Zlatko Kramaric: ‘There is progress in Croatian-Albanian relations, but it is still not enough’  

    The first anniversary of the appointment as Archbishop at the head of the Catholic Church/ Mons. Arjan Dodaj: Only God can be the author of our walk!

    Azerbaijan’s Ambassador Anar Huseynov: President Aliyev’s visit to Albania opened a new page in our relations through the specific accords reached

    Macedonian Interior Minister Oliver Spasovski: Open Balkans and Berlin Process are complementary processes for progress of cooperation among WB countries

  • Realpolitik

    A top phone call as disappointment! Exit from Brexit! Germany at the helm! End this political shame up!

    That’s it! The quartet of hope! Shame on Kosovo! The Summit of a Community without Identity!

    Only praises and prolises for Meloni! Facts versus untruths! Immediate ceasefire and genuine peace, no deal for new occupation! Back after 60 years !

    US nuclear tariff bomb!! Europa fires back! NATO ok, but with or without Article 5? Kallas urges reforms!

    Europe riarmed! Germany’s epochal shift! Spoiled soup! EU Commissioner Kos demands reforms!

    Europe tightens the ranks! The Euro-Atlantic Alliance in danger! USA-1945!! A true Peace, not new occupation!

    WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC.  Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

    The law of force over the force of law! Multilateral diplomacy is the victim! Euro-Atlantism in danger! Munchen split the West!

    Packages with gifts  for extremism! A major bonus for  Giorgia Meloni! The head, then the feet! A great step to the long – awaited peace!

    Brazilian diplomatic samba! All in and for  Kyev! A beautiful political postcard! Damascus winners and losers! Negotiations ok, but caution, please!

  • Current Events

    Russia in the Western Balkans, Written by Dragan Šormaz

    Serbia’s Campaign to Rebrand Itself as Heir to the Illyrians/ A direct challenge to historical truth and Albanian heritage

    10th OSCE RFoM South East Europe Media Conference concludes with call for co-ordinated action to strengthen media viability

    Russia Proposes Second Round of Ukraine Peace Talks in Istanbul on June 2

    Charlemagne Prize/ Von der Leyen honoured for advancing European unity

    How the EU Abandoned Democracy in Kosovo

    Kallas visits Western Balkans: EU enlargement to this region our most significant geopolitical project

    EU Integrity for Sale: Tirana Edition

    The Engaged Democracy Convention Vol. 3: Engage, Inspire, Empower! will be organised in Skopje,  May 21-23

  • Top News

    Russia Proposes Second Round of Ukraine Peace Talks in Istanbul on June 2

    International leaders congratulate Prime Minister Rama after his victory in the parliamentary elections, securing a fourth term.

    Albania’s parliamentary elections competitive and well run but lacked level playing field, international observers say

    Top Ukrainian delegation arrives in Paris for talks with Western officials

    Marta Kos: Albania Making Rapid Progress Toward EU Integration

    Duro Macut takes office as Prime Minister of Serbia

    Polish Cultural Week Kicks Off Today

    59 dead and more than 150 injured in nightclub fire in North Macedonia

    Prime Minister Edi Rama at the tribute ceremony in honor of the Archbishop of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, Anastasios Janullatos

  • YOUR VOICE
  • Shqip
No Result
View All Result
Argumentum
  • Home
  • OP/ED

    Crisis-Born, Purpose-Seeking: Can the EPC Define Europe’s Strategic Future?

    Serbia’s Request to the ICJ Turned Resolution 1244 into a Closed Chapter and Kosovo’s Independence into an Internationally Recognized Reality

    Unpredictable world

    Promoting Arab Culture and Language in the Framework of Cultural Diversity and Dialogue.

    ‘A Tragic Circus’: Albanian PD Figures Lash Out After LaCivita-Backed Campaign Collapses

    Erosion of Liberal Democracy in Europe Complicates Canada’s Search for Like-Minded Allies

    The single biggest treat to Europe’s security still not (adequately) tackled by the OSCE

    Diplomacy, State-Building, and Memory: Germany’s role in Kosovo through a scholarly lens

    When Elephants Fight: What Trump’s Trade War Means for the Balkans

  • Interview

    The Conclusion of the Diplomatic Mission / Ambassador Dancho Markovski: Strengthening Albania-North Macedonia Relations for a Shared European Future

    A Century of Diplomatic Relations Between Albania and Russia: Exclusive Interview with the Russian Ambassador to Albania, H.E. Alexey Zaytsev

    Exclusive/ The chairman of the Freedom Party, Ilir Meta: “The will of the citizens will triumph in Albania, as it did in North Macedonia”

    Exclusive/ The Russian Ambassador to Albania Mr. Mikhail Afanasiev: Russia only aims to end that war started by the West in Ukraine

    Exclusive/ Skopje’s top diplomat to Tirana, Dancho Markovski: OSCE Chairmanship a Project of National Importance for North Macedonia

    Exclusive interview of Croatian Ambassador Zlatko Kramaric: ‘There is progress in Croatian-Albanian relations, but it is still not enough’  

    The first anniversary of the appointment as Archbishop at the head of the Catholic Church/ Mons. Arjan Dodaj: Only God can be the author of our walk!

    Azerbaijan’s Ambassador Anar Huseynov: President Aliyev’s visit to Albania opened a new page in our relations through the specific accords reached

    Macedonian Interior Minister Oliver Spasovski: Open Balkans and Berlin Process are complementary processes for progress of cooperation among WB countries

  • Realpolitik

    A top phone call as disappointment! Exit from Brexit! Germany at the helm! End this political shame up!

    That’s it! The quartet of hope! Shame on Kosovo! The Summit of a Community without Identity!

    Only praises and prolises for Meloni! Facts versus untruths! Immediate ceasefire and genuine peace, no deal for new occupation! Back after 60 years !

    US nuclear tariff bomb!! Europa fires back! NATO ok, but with or without Article 5? Kallas urges reforms!

    Europe riarmed! Germany’s epochal shift! Spoiled soup! EU Commissioner Kos demands reforms!

    Europe tightens the ranks! The Euro-Atlantic Alliance in danger! USA-1945!! A true Peace, not new occupation!

    WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC.  Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

    The law of force over the force of law! Multilateral diplomacy is the victim! Euro-Atlantism in danger! Munchen split the West!

    Packages with gifts  for extremism! A major bonus for  Giorgia Meloni! The head, then the feet! A great step to the long – awaited peace!

    Brazilian diplomatic samba! All in and for  Kyev! A beautiful political postcard! Damascus winners and losers! Negotiations ok, but caution, please!

  • Current Events

    Russia in the Western Balkans, Written by Dragan Šormaz

    Serbia’s Campaign to Rebrand Itself as Heir to the Illyrians/ A direct challenge to historical truth and Albanian heritage

    10th OSCE RFoM South East Europe Media Conference concludes with call for co-ordinated action to strengthen media viability

    Russia Proposes Second Round of Ukraine Peace Talks in Istanbul on June 2

    Charlemagne Prize/ Von der Leyen honoured for advancing European unity

    How the EU Abandoned Democracy in Kosovo

    Kallas visits Western Balkans: EU enlargement to this region our most significant geopolitical project

    EU Integrity for Sale: Tirana Edition

    The Engaged Democracy Convention Vol. 3: Engage, Inspire, Empower! will be organised in Skopje,  May 21-23

  • Top News

    Russia Proposes Second Round of Ukraine Peace Talks in Istanbul on June 2

    International leaders congratulate Prime Minister Rama after his victory in the parliamentary elections, securing a fourth term.

    Albania’s parliamentary elections competitive and well run but lacked level playing field, international observers say

    Top Ukrainian delegation arrives in Paris for talks with Western officials

    Marta Kos: Albania Making Rapid Progress Toward EU Integration

    Duro Macut takes office as Prime Minister of Serbia

    Polish Cultural Week Kicks Off Today

    59 dead and more than 150 injured in nightclub fire in North Macedonia

    Prime Minister Edi Rama at the tribute ceremony in honor of the Archbishop of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, Anastasios Janullatos

  • YOUR VOICE
  • Shqip
No Result
View All Result
Argumentum
No Result
View All Result
Home ENGLISH

It’s time for Turkey to choose

5 May, 2022
in ENGLISH, Global
A A
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - MARCH 29, 2022: Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (C) attends a round of Russian-Ukrainian talks at the Dolmabahce Palace. Both delegations are to meet face to face for the first time since March 7. With the first round held in the Belarusian city of Gomel on February 28, two more followed in person along with more recent sessions online. On February 24, RussiaТs President Putin announced the start of a special military operation in Ukraine in response to appeals from the leaders of the Donetsk and Lugansk PeopleТs Republic. Sergei Karpukhin/TASS

“урци€. —тамбул. ѕрезидент “урции “айип Ёрдоган (в центре) во врем€ российско-украинских переговоров во дворце ƒолмабахче. ƒелегации –оссии и ”краины проведут новый раунд переговоров в очном формате впервые с 7 марта. ѕервый раунд переговоров состо€лс€ 28 феврал€ в √омельской области Ѕелоруссии. ѕозже прошли еще два очных раунда, а также встречи в онлайн-формате. ѕрезидент –оссии ¬ладимир ѕутин 24 феврал€ объ€вил о проведении военной операции на ”краине в ответ на обращение руководителей республик ƒонбасса о помощи. —ергей  арпухин/“ј——

ISTANBUL, TURKEY - MARCH 29, 2022: Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (C) attends a round of Russian-Ukrainian talks at the Dolmabahce Palace. Both delegations are to meet face to face for the first time since March 7. With the first round held in the Belarusian city of Gomel on February 28, two more followed in person along with more recent sessions online. On February 24, RussiaТs President Putin announced the start of a special military operation in Ukraine in response to appeals from the leaders of the Donetsk and Lugansk PeopleТs Republic. Sergei Karpukhin/TASS “урци€. —тамбул. ѕрезидент “урции “айип Ёрдоган (в центре) во врем€ российско-украинских переговоров во дворце ƒолмабахче. ƒелегации –оссии и ”краины проведут новый раунд переговоров в очном формате впервые с 7 марта. ѕервый раунд переговоров состо€лс€ 28 феврал€ в √омельской области Ѕелоруссии. ѕозже прошли еще два очных раунда, а также встречи в онлайн-формате. ѕрезидент –оссии ¬ладимир ѕутин 24 феврал€ объ€вил о проведении военной операции на ”краине в ответ на обращение руководителей республик ƒонбасса о помощи. —ергей  арпухин/“ј——

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Vassilis Nedos

Picking a side is rarely an easy task. It means disappointing one side and committing to a particular course. It means putting aside tactics such as maintaining a policy of equal distances or prevarication. And if it is tough when we’re talking about private, professional and social interactions, it is thoroughly unpleasant when it comes to international relations.

The reason is that states – and especially those which are regarded as a small or medium-sized power – inevitably comes under pressure from the bigger players to adopt one position or another every time a situation starts to heat up.

Sometimes that happens in a contained setting, as was the case in Greece during the early years of austerity. At other times, though, it happens during serious external upheaval, as is the case in Europe right now, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s interview with state broadcaster ERT and Kathimerini contained several tactfully worded barbs against Turkey. In one comment, the Ukrainian president accused Ankara of double standards, something the Turkish propaganda machine is sure to interpret as an attempt by Zelenskyy to pander to Greek public opinion.

Nevertheless, his comment draws attention to the fact that Turkey is coming under increasing pressure to pick a side. Given that it is headed to a general election in about a year from now, that choice becomes tougher and even more so due to the fact that the Turkish leadership regards the country’s position as a central rather than a regional player.

In practical terms, this means that a clear-cut choice between Russia or Ukraine would be at odds with Ankara’s perception of Turkey’s position in the world. Moreover, the deep state in Turkey lives in terror of a choice that would trigger “Sevres” phobia.

The United States and European leaders appear to have accepted a certain degree of freedom of movement for Ankara, but whether the West and Turkey agree on how much wiggle room this entails exactly is very debatable.

What this means is that the longer Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan fails to strike a balance between the so-called “Eurasian” agenda’s “decline of the West” and the core of the West, which is NATO and the Euro-Atlantic relationship, the jumpier everyone becomes. And this means that Athens needs to tread very carefully over the next few months, saying as little as possible and acting responsibly.

Tags: Erdoganrussia

Related Posts

Balkan Overview

Rama’s Foreign Policy Paradox

11 June, 2025
ENGLISH

Crisis-Born, Purpose-Seeking: Can the EPC Define Europe’s Strategic Future?

10 June, 2025
ENGLISH

Serbia’s Request to the ICJ Turned Resolution 1244 into a Closed Chapter and Kosovo’s Independence into an Internationally Recognized Reality

10 June, 2025

Follow US

Subscribe

Receive Argumentum Magazine by Email

Last Posts

Rama’s Foreign Policy Paradox

11 June, 2025

Crisis-Born, Purpose-Seeking: Can the EPC Define Europe’s Strategic Future?

10 June, 2025

Serbia’s Request to the ICJ Turned Resolution 1244 into a Closed Chapter and Kosovo’s Independence into an Internationally Recognized Reality

10 June, 2025

Russia in the Western Balkans, Written by Dragan Šormaz

9 June, 2025

Unpredictable world

5 June, 2025
Argumentum

“Argumentum”, një proces intelektual …

Contact Us

[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Follow Us

Media Partner

Register

Receive Argumentum Magazine by Email
  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact

© 2022 Argumentum. All Rights Reserved. | NUIS: L91415033Q

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • OP/ED
  • Interview
  • Realpolitik
  • Current Events
  • Top News
  • YOUR VOICE
  • Shqip

© 2022 Argumentum. All Rights Reserved. | NUIS: L91415033Q

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.