New Books in Political Science Yunus Emre Ozigci, "NATO’s Meaning and Existence: Within the Interstate Intersubjectivity" (Vernon Press, 2026)
Jan 21, 2026
Yunus Emre Ozigci is a diplomat and political scientist with a focus on phenomenology in international relations. He delves into NATO's identity, arguing it's trapped in bureaucratic inertia while grappling with modern crises, particularly in relation to Russia. Ozigci uniquely applies philosophical tools to shape NATO’s meaning beyond military might, emphasizing shared identity among member states. He critiques traditional theories, advocating for a deeper understanding of collective norms and the authentic convergence needed for NATO’s future.
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NATO As Intersubjective Phenomenon
- Yunus Emre Ozigci treats NATO as an intersubjective phenomenon that exists through collective recognition rather than objective materiality.
- He argues returning to the pre-theoretical givenness of NATO reveals its real meaning beyond policy and power.
Authenticity Holds NATO Together
- Combining Husserl and Heidegger corrects fragmentation in intersubjectivity and temporality for IR analysis.
- Authenticity of member states sustains NATO's thesis; inauthenticity risks existential weakening.
Selective Use Of Structural Realism
- Ozigci values Waltz's structural realism for describing systemic polarity but criticizes its narrow focus on power parameters.
- He sees structural realism as useful because it presupposes states' intersubjective appearance as subjects.
