Eastern Mediterranean University, Cyprus Policy Center (EMU-CPC) and EMU Faculty of Business and Economics, Department of Political Science and International Relations co-organized a seminar titled “Track 2 Diplomacy: A Way Out in the Eastern Mediterranean?”.
EMU Department of International Relations Ph.D. student and EMY CPC Research Assistant Hatice Savoğlu delivered the opening address of the event. Then, in his presentation, Chair of both EMU Department of Political Science and International Relations and, EMU-CPC Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sözen extensively approached the Track 1 and 2 Diplomacies. Noting that Track 1 Diplomacy encompasses formal diplomatic efforts led by government officials, Prof. Dr. Sözen stated that the Track 2 Diplomacy relies on informal contacts involving scholars, non-governmental organizations, and private individuals. Furthermore, he highlighted that Track 2 Diplomacy aims to provide supportive contributions that enhance official diplomatic channels.
In his speech, Prof. Dr. Sözen shared insights on his experiences in Track 2 Diplomacy initiatives such as Greek-Turkish Forum, Eastern Mediterranean Initiative and DIPLOMEDS, underlining, through examples, how these efforts help facilitate conflict resolution in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
The seminar concluded with a question-answer session where participant questions were answered. Examples were given on the application of Track 2 Diplomacy in various conflict areas around the world.