Eastern Mediterranean University Cyprus Policy Center (EMU-CPC) Researcher Assist. Prof. Dr. Devrim Şahin made a presentation at the “Pan-European Conference on International Relations” conference held on 27-31 August 2024 at the Lille Catholic University, France. At the conference, it was explored that the international sphere should no longer be viewed as a distinct area defined only by state-to-state interactions. Discussions covered topics like where international processes occur, what constitutes knowledge, and how it is created. The event also posed related questions, such as which struggles, efforts, and sacrifices matter in the field of international studies. Beyond encouraging panelists and attendees to participate in a shared exploration of the international, the conference challenged the existing order and highlighted attempts to push beyond the traditional limits of the international relations discipline.
Delivering a presentation during the conference, Assist. Prof. Dr. Şahin stated that the goal of EMU-CPC is to bring a scientific approach towards resolving the regional and international issues and noted that Cyprus is located at the center of many political and environmental problems. In his presentation, Assist. Prof. Dr. Şahin explained that the likelihood of the UK being impacted by the Gaza war, because of its military bases on the island, has added further complexity to the sovereignty disputes both within Cyprus and in its surrounding region.
Assist. Prof. Dr. Şahin highlighted that the “EU 2030 Strategy” identifies the region as a hotspot for existential threats driven by climate change, and suggests transferring renewable energy from the Eastern Mediterranean to Europe through underwater channels to reduce carbon emissions. Assist. Prof. Dr. Şahin also pointed out that short-term, self-serving interests obstruct the long-term policies crucial for humanity’s future. In concluding his remarks, Assist. Prof. Dr. Şahin called for international relations to adopt a paradigm that recognizes and incorporates the complexity of global issues, rather than depending on oversimplified perspectives.
