Dolunay Yusuf Baltürk

writer at EUReflect

Contributing writer at EUReflect.

Articles by Dolunay Yusuf Baltürk

  • Russia’s Geopolitical Shift: Academic and Strategic Adaptation

    Russia’s Geopolitical Shift: Academic and Strategic Adaptation

    The Higher School of Economics (HSE) in Moscow has launched a two-year master’s program focused on sanctions compliance, risk management, and strategic adaptation. Designed to address the multidimensional impacts of international sanctions on law and the economy, the program integrates theory with practical case studies, including Iran’s experience under sanctions. With limited enrollment—22 students annually—the program emphasizes state–academia collaboration to enhance Russia’s strategic resilience. HSE’s initiative illustrates how academic programs can serve as tools for building national autonomy, preparing future policymakers, and fostering knowledge-based responses to geopolitical constraints. The model has relevance for other states facing similar sanctions or seeking to strengthen governance and international compliance expertise.

    general
  • Samarkand State University: A Journey Through History, Hospitality, and Academic Excellence

    Samarkand State University: A Journey Through History, Hospitality, and Academic Excellence

    Samarkand State University, tracing its origins to the Mirzo Ulughbek Madrasa (1420), combines a rich historical legacy with modern academic ambitions. During a 2022–2023 research stay, the author experienced the university as a hub of intellectual exchange, international collaboration, and cultural immersion. The institution excels in supporting foreign scholars, fostering multilingual research, and connecting students with local communities. Beyond academics, it offers a deep engagement with Uzbek culture, traditions, and daily life. Ranked in global indices such as the 2025 THE Impact Rankings (401–600) and QS World University Rankings (1001–1200), the university shows promise in sustainable development goals and internationalization. Samarkand State University stands out as a center where historical scholarship, modern research, and cross-cultural learning intersect, making it a prime destination for researchers in Central Asian studies, Turkic languages, and post-Soviet transformation.

    conferences events festivals
  • Uzbekistan’s Good Neighborliness Policy: A New Paradigm for Regional Cooperation in Central Asia

    Uzbekistan’s Good Neighborliness Policy: A New Paradigm for Regional Cooperation in Central Asia

    Uzbekistan’s foreign policy has undergone a major shift since 2016, moving from the isolation and regional tensions of the Karimov era to a cooperative “good neighborliness” approach under President Mirziyoyev. Significant progress has been made in resolving border disputes with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, advancing shared water-resource management, revitalizing regional dialogue platforms, and engaging pragmatically with Taliban-ruled Afghanistan to support security and connectivity. While challenges such as reliance on political leadership, limited institutional capacity, and external geopolitical pressures persist, Uzbekistan’s new strategy has strengthened regional stability and positioned the country as a driving force for cooperation and integration in Central Asia.

    politics
  • The Soul of Chuvashia

    The Soul of Chuvashia

    Hidden in Russia’s Volga region, Chuvashia is a cultural treasure waiting to be discovered. Cheboksary, its picturesque capital, dazzles with stunning landmarks like the Monument of Mother, vibrant public art, and the National Museum’s rich displays of traditional costumes and crafts. Here, folklore, music, and centuries-old traditions thrive alongside modern life, offering travelers an authentic glimpse into a proud and living culture.

    travel