Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

The Mediating Role of Sense of Coherence in the Relationship between Positive Childhood Experiences and Alexithymia

Ummu Erturk Yildiz — 2024-11-16

This study examined the mediating role of the sense of coherence in the relationship between positive childhood experiences and alexithymia. The research was conducted with a total of 507 participants, including 259 women and 248 men aged over 18, selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Positive Childhood Experiences Scale, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and the Sense of Coherence Scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 25 and the PROCESS macro. The results indicated that positive childhood experiences significantly and positively predicted levels of sense of coherence, while they significantly and negatively predicted alexithymia. Furthermore, the sense of coherence was found to significantly and negatively predict alexithymia. It was also found that the sense of coherence mediated the relationship between positive childhood experiences and alexithymia.

Energy Regionalism in Theory and Practice: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization

Ozgur Tufekci — 2024-11-16

Due to the use of energy in regions and regionalism contexts began in the 20th century, the concept of energy regionalism has emerged as a new and significant field of study. This paper, which analyses the SCO established on an energy region in the post-Cold War period within the context of energy regionalism, will theoretically contribute to the literature by both theoretically explaining the concept of energy regionalism through utilising different evaluations of the concept and examining the SCO as a pioneering case in the energy regionalism context. The paper hypotheses that energy issues constitute the most significant agenda among the partners of the SCO and that an energy region has been established through the agency of the organisation. In this paper, the SCO has been analysed within the context of energy regionalism based on Hancock’s three criteria: driving forces, institutional structuring, and the effects of the decisions made and the activities carried out on energy regionalism. The analysis concludes that the SCO can be considered a comprehensive model of energy regionalism within the aforementioned three criteria.

An Analysis on the Image of NATO in Türkiye

Mahmut Fevzi Cengiz — 2024-11-16

Considering its geographical location, strategic importance, and geopolitical depth, Türkiye’s NATO membership plays a significant role in current regional and international developments. Besides, Türkiye's military and economic strength, trained human resources, geographical location, and extensive maritime and land borders represent a strategic potential to contribute to NATO's efforts in maintaining regional security and stability. Nevertheless, Türkiye’s membership in NATO is discussed by some allied countries. Türkiye's national security policies are also not always in line with other NATO member countries. This causes relations to fluctuate. The course of relations also influences Turkish public perceptions of NATO's organizational image. The primary purpose of this research is to disclose how NATO has an image in Turkish society as an intergovernmental military alliance. Since quantitative data are taken as the basis of the research, a questionnaire was employed as a data collection method. For the research, 1436 participants from different regions of Türkiye were accessed via a simple random sampling method. Based on the findings obtained as a result of the research, it is apparent that a large part of the participants does not have a clear view regarding NATO. In terms of demographic data, it was understood that female, single, 18-25 years of age and student-weighted participants had higher positive, negative, and general NATO perceptions than the others. Besides, it was observed that the group that perceived NATO as the most negative educational situation was those who had graduated from elementary school. As a result, about half of the participants believe that Türkiye should remain in the NATO, but in the event of any war, NATO will leave Türkiye alone. This situation indicates that NATO membership is strategically crucial, but it also gives the impression that the Turkish people are worried about trust. According to the findings of the study, the majority of the participants consider the USA as the main threat against Türkiye, on the other hand Azerbaijan is regarded as Türkiye's most important partner and friend in the international arena.

Navigating the International Power Struggle: A Comparative Study of Türkiye, Germany, and Iran

Kemal Inat — 2024-11-16

This article provides a comparative analysis of the foreign policies of Türkiye, Germany, and Iran with regard to the changing global political landscape. While all three countries have endeavored to safeguard their national interests through a balance of power strategy, Türkiye has emerged as a more assertive actor in this regard. Türkiye has benefited from the rising influence of Asia and growing competition with the West, while Iran has faced challenges from US sanctions and Germany's balance of power approach has been tested by the conflict in Ukraine. Utilizing economic, foreign policy, and military spending data, this article elucidates how these actors respond to global shifts to carve their independent spheres. Ultimately, the article posits that Türkiye has made greater strides in expanding the scope of its foreign policy compared to Germany and Iran over the past two decades.

An Ecocritical Approach to Fyodor Abramov's Story "What Do the Horses Cry About"

Badegül Can Emir — 2024-11-16

Human's destructive behaviors toward the environment also harm animals. Fyodor Abramov's story, “What Do The Horses Cry About”. focuses on this issue. While this story reflects the world through the eyes of an animal, it reveals people's changing behaviors towards animals. The study tries to read the changing attitude of man toward nature in the modern age on the axis of Fyodor Abramov's story called “What Do The Horses Cry About”. On the other hand, it tries to understand how the relationship between the human and other living things has penetrated the fiction of the story. It shall be emphasized that transformation of nature by humans according to their wishes threatens the existence of the whole planet; and for a habitable world separation between human and non-human must be ended. Thus, the study aims to direct people to ecocriticism and contribute to growing more environmentally conscious individuals for a planet where ecological balance prevails. The first condition of a sustainable environment is human education. The people we will raise will shape the environment in which we will live in the future.