Izmir University of Economics entered the EU
Izmir University of Economics (IUE) acceded to the EU consortium for nonproliferation and disarmament. The consortium includes as members 97 research organizations and universities from 27 European countries. Dr. Sıtkı Egeli, a member of faculty at IUE Department of Political Science and International Relations, said IEU will be participating in research and activities aimed at providing guidance to EU policies on nonproliferation and disarmament. Dr. Egeli has several books and articles on efforts to control weapons of mass destruction, and has pointed out to the importance of disarmament in events and meetings in more than 20 countries.
The European Union (EU) launched the "EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium and Network" in 2010, in order to bring together expert think tanks and universities. The consortium has carried out many projects and studies so far, in order to devise policies and measures to tackle with proliferation challenges.
The works of Dr. Sıtkı Egeli in the field of disarmament, the ideas and research he presented in the meetings organized by various international organizations led to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), one of the founding members of the consortium, to make an offer to IEU for membership in the Consortium. The subsequent application and procedures made IEU the 98th member of the Consortium.
Dr. Egeli pointed that joining the consortium would provide many advantages to academics and students alike. “Our students, who are or will be conducting research in nonproliferation and disarmament at our university, will be able to apply for internship at 97 members of the Consortium. Similarly, students from various European countries will be able to become interns in our university. Our faculty members and students will also get a chance to attend conferences, workshops and other academic events organized by the Consortium and its members. As such, “our university is expanding its international exposure and it is recognized as an institution contributing to nonproliferation and disarmament,” said Dr. Egeli.
Asst. Prof. Egeli went on to elaborate: “Disarmament is a very important matter that contributes positively to inter-state relations. It did play an important role in bringing an end to the Cold War. Important progress in arms control has also been made during the years that followed the end of Cold War. However, as a result of escalating tensions and rivalries in recent years, the benchmark arms control agreements are being terminated one by one. I think at this point, there is a need to pass on and explain the importance of disarmament and arms control to the new generations. Over the years, this is what I have been trying to do through my research and writings. From this perspective, I believe the work we carry out at the IEU could contribute positively to the work carried out by the EU Consortium.”