Burcu Ozcelik

Dr. Philip Shetler-Jones, an expert on Indo-Pacific security, Dr. Burcu Ozcelik, who focuses on Middle Eastern dynamics, and Callum Fraser, specializing in Russian foreign policy, delve into the evolving role of BRICS amid shifting global power. They discuss the impact of the recent BRICS summit on multipolarity, challenges of digital currency initiatives, and the group's expansion as a counterweight to Western influence. The trio also examines the balance of interests among member nations and the potential for BRICS to affect regional security dynamics.

Dr Burcu Ozcelik, RUSI Middle East security expert, explains Kurdish politics and recent territorial losses. Sophia Yan, The Telegraph correspondent, shares on‑the‑ground reporting from Syria. They discuss the rapid rollback of Kurdish-held areas, the fate of ISIS detainees and prison camps, shifting US involvement, and regional players reshaping northern Syria.

Burcu Ozcelik, a Senior Research Fellow specializing in Middle East Security, and Michael Stephens, a Senior Associate Fellow at RUSI, discuss the shifting alliances and emerging power struggles reshaping the Middle East. They delve into the implications of the recent Gaza conflict, questioning Western influence and the potential for a unified Arab response. The conversation highlights changing global dynamics, the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the evolving roles of major powers like the U.S., Iran, and China.

In this discussion, Hugh Lovatt, an expert on Middle East politics, joins Bilal Y Saab, Christopher Phillips, and Burcu Ozcelik to delve into the ongoing violence in the region and the complexities of peace negotiations. They explore the historical dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the shifting role of international players, and the diminished influence of the U.S. as new actors like Saudi Arabia emerge. The conversation raises critical questions about who can successfully broker peace and what frameworks might be viable amidst escalating tensions.

Burcu Ozcelik, an academic and RUSI fellow, is a leading voice on Turkish politics and the Kurdish issue. She sheds light on the history and evolution of the PKK, revealing its transition from a separatist group to one seeking political rights within Turkey. The discussion reveals President Erdoğan's motivations toward resolving the Kurdish question as part of broader statecraft. Ozcelik also assesses Turkey's emerging role in a post-Assad Middle East, emphasizing the shift towards stability and economic connectivity over historical ideologies.