Han, Ha-eun (SNUAC)

In 2025, Türkiye’s political landscape was once again dominated by controversies over the concentration of power and the repression of the opposition. In particular, the arrest in March of Ekrem İmamoğlu, the Mayor of Istanbul and a leading contender for the next presidential election, sent shockwaves through the political arena. Although the judicial action was officially framed around allegations of corruption and links to terrorism, it provoked strong backlash from the opposition and civil society, who denounced it as a case of “politicized justice.” Protests and demonstrations spread across major cities, and the incident went far beyond an individual legal issue, raising structural questions about electoral fairness, judicial independence, and freedoms of the press and expression, while reaffirming the authoritarian nature of the Erdoğan administration.

Hwang Yuihyun(SNUAC)

2025 was marked by heightened tensions across the eastern Middle East, including Israel and the Gaza Strip, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria. The Gaza War, entering its third year, ended in October with a hostage exchange and a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, following extensive casualties. Despite this development, numerous unresolved issues remain, casting doubt on the prospects for a comprehensive settlement.

So Yeon Ahn (SNUAC)

In 2025, the Gulf region experienced an exceptionally busy year as political uncertainty intensified amid the lingering repercussions of the 2023 Gaza war, prompting Gulf states to explore a wide range of response strategies. In particular, following President Donald Trump’s return to office, Gulf countries sought to strengthen relations with the new U.S. administration while positioning themselves as mediators in an effort to overcome political instability across the Middle East.

발행처: 서울대학교 아시아연구소 서아시아센터, HK⁺메가아시아연구사업단
발행인: 채수홍 편집위원장: 구기연 편집위원: 안소연, 한하은, 황의현 
연락처: 02-880-2084, katib@snu.ac.kr