TRT World Research Centre is a non-profit, policy-oriented research institute and global affairs think tank based in Istanbul, Türkiye. The Centre is dedicated to producing independent-minded, evidence-based research and strategic analysis across a wide spectrum of issues, including connectivity, security and defence, international law, media, technology and innovation, foreign policy, and global governance.
Our research explores Türkiye’s role in shaping regional and global developments, focusing on regional and global developments, from Middle Eastern upheavals and Eastern Mediterranean shifts to the Russia–Ukraine war, Iran’s regional strategy, South Caucasus dynamics, China’s rising influence, energy geopolitics, migration trends, and the impact of media and emerging technologies on world politics.
By combining academic expertise with policy relevance, the Centre aims to bridge the gap between research and practice, contributing to the global debate on conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and strategic cooperation. With an international network of analysts and fellows, the Research Centre serves as a hub for policy dialogue, interdisciplinary collaboration, and open intellectual exchange.
Through its policy briefs, analytical reports, and expert commentaries, the TRT World Research Centre provides comprehensive insights into global political, economic, and social challenges. The Centre also organises conferences, workshops, and expert panels that convene academics, diplomats, policymakers, and journalists to discuss emerging global trends.
Through its policy briefs, analytical reports, and expert commentaries, the TRT World Research Centre provides comprehensive insights into global political, economic, and social challenges. The Centre also contributes to intellectual and policy discussions by engaging with academics, diplomats, policymakers, and journalists on emerging global trends. The Centre further provides the TRT World Forum—an annual platform that brings together world leaders, scholars, and opinion-makers to debate global issues—with rigorous research, thought leadership, and the intellectual foundation for its discussions.
Mission & Values
To serve as an internationally recognised hub for distinctive, strategically focused research, cultivating a culture of excellence with both regional and global influence.
Mission
The mission of the TRT World Research Centre is to advance independent, high-quality research and policy analysis that deepens understanding of regional and global dynamics. Anchored in a commitment to academic excellence and public impact, the Centre pursues four core objectives:
- To conduct rigorous, policy-relevant research and strategic analysis in key areas such as foreign policy, global governance, security, connectivity, technology, and international law, generating insights that shape both national and international policy discussions.
- To provide a dynamic platform for scholarly dialogue and policy debate, facilitating collaboration among researchers, analysts, and decision-makers on issues that define Türkiye’s role in Eurasia and global affairs.
- To produce and disseminate knowledge through policy briefs, research reports, conferences, seminars, and workshops, exploring the complexities of the twenty-first century — from geopolitical transformation to technological innovation and societal change.
- To engage in outreach and partnership activities with a wide network of local, regional, and international institutions, strengthening research collaboration, capacity building, and cross-cultural understanding.
Values
- Leadership: We aim to demonstrate thought leadership by identifying shared interests, setting strategic research priorities, and fostering dialogue that bridges academia, policy, and public understanding.
- Excellence: We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of research excellence, integrity, and innovation — ensuring that the TRT World Research Centre remains a trusted hub for insightful analysis and global policy discussion.
- Balance: We value impartiality and intellectual balance, striving to produce well-grounded, evidence-based research that reflects multiple perspectives across global and regional contexts.
- Communication: We promote open and effective communication, maximizing opportunities to share research outcomes and engage diverse audiences through publications, events, and digital outreach.
- Partnership: We cultivate strong partnerships at national, regional, and international levels, collaborating with think tanks, universities, and policy institutions to advance shared priorities and exchange knowledge.
- Teamwork: We believe in the power of collaboration and synergy. Our diverse and multidisciplinary team works together in a dynamic research environment that leverages collective expertise to achieve meaningful impact.
Areas of Focus
- Foreign Policy and International Relations
The Centre conducts in-depth research and analysis on Türkiye’s foreign policy and its relations with key global and regional actors, including the United States, Europe, Russia, China, the MENA region, the Balkans, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Special attention is given to contemporary issues such as the Russia–Ukraine war, regional connectivity, international law, and global power shifts shaping the twenty-first century.
- Security and Defence Studies
Our research adopts a comprehensive approach to security that spans conventional defence, cybersecurity, hybrid warfare, and societal risks such as extremism, radicalisation, and energy security. The Centre aims to contribute to informed policy discussions and innovative strategies for regional and global stability.
- Media and Communication Studies
Focusing on media narratives, public diplomacy, and information flows, this area explores how communication strategies shape global perceptions of Türkiye and international affairs. Research covers digital transformation, technology policy, and the influence of emerging media ecosystems on political discourse.
- Migration and Diaspora Studies
We investigate the role of migration, identity, and mobility in contemporary global politics, addressing challenges such as humanitarian response, integration policies, and the cultural impact of diasporic communities. This area also explores how migration connects with broader issues of security, economy, and transnational governance.
- Emerging Research Themes
The Centre also engages with forward-looking topics including connectivity and infrastructure development, technology and innovation policy, global governance, and the evolving international order — providing a multidisciplinary understanding of how these issues intersect with Türkiye’s regional and global engagements.
Read Our Publications