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Journals / Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Vizyoner Dergisi / 2026 / Cilt: 17 Sayı: 50

The Relationship between the Western Balkan and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States: An Intersubjective and Systemic Discussion

Batı Balkan ve Körfez İş Birliği Konseyi (KİK) Devletleri Arasındaki İlişki: Öznelerarası ve Sistemik Bir Tartışma

Ozdemir Akbal(TRAKYA UNIVERSITY)0000-0001-7030-7946
Pages
604–621
Publication Date
2026-05-31
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

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⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

The study argues for a dual-level theoretical model that integrates systemic and intersubjective approaches to provide a more comprehensive understanding of GCC–Western Balkan relations and proposes a conceptual framework for future interregional studies.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:The study analyzes the relationship between the Western Balkan and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states by integrating Structural Realism with the concept of intersubjectivity.
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Key Findings & Data:Although economic engagements constitute the primary driver of GCC–Western Balkan relations, they are significantly shaped by the global systemic environment, limiting regional agency.
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Conclusion & Impact:The study argues for a dual-level theoretical model that integrates systemic and intersubjective approaches to provide a more comprehensive understanding of GCC–Western Balkan relations and proposes a conceptual framework for future interregional studies.
🔬Design:Modeling & Simulation
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Intersubjektivite ve Yapısal Realizm · Bölgelerarası İlişkiler · Uluslararası Kurumlar

Abstract

The study analyzes the relationship between the Western Balkan and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states by integrating Structural Realism with the concept of intersubjectivity. It explores how systemic structures influence interregional dynamics and how shared beliefs and cultural meanings interact within these constraints. Although economic engagements constitute the primary driver of GCC–Western Balkan relations, they are significantly shaped by the global systemic environment, limiting regional agency. The study reveals that efforts to promote intersubjective meanings - such as religion and cultural identity - have achieved only partial success, often constrained by the influence of dominant global powers like the United States. Attempts to project soft power through cultural and religious initiatives, including Wahhabism, have frequently deepened societal divisions. However, intersubjective meanings have fostered limited soft power dynamics and cultural exchanges. The findings emphasize that overlooking systemic constraints weakens the explanatory power of interregional analyses. The study argues for a dual-level theoretical model that integrates systemic and intersubjective approaches to provide a more comprehensive understanding of GCC–Western Balkan relations and proposes a conceptual framework for future interregional studies.

Özet

Bu çalışma, Batı Balkanlar ile Körfez İşbirliği Konseyi (GCC) ülkeleri arasındaki ilişkileri, Yapısal Realizm ile intersübjektivite kavramını bütünleştirerek analiz etmektedir. Sistemik yapılar ile bölgesel dinamikler arasındaki etkileşimi incelerken, ortak inançlar ve kültürel anlamların bu yapı içinde nasıl şekillendiği değerlendirilmektedir. GCC-Batı Balkan ilişkilerinin temelini ekonomik etkileşimler oluştursa da bu ilişkiler büyük ölçüde küresel sistemik yapılar tarafından belirlenmekte ve bölgesel aktörlerin özerkliği sınırlandırılmaktadır. Çalışma, din ve kültürel kimlik gibi intersübjektif anlamları teşvik etme çabalarının sınırlı başarı sağladığını, hatta çoğu zaman bölgesel uyumu artırmak yerine toplumsal ayrışmaları derinleştirdiğini ortaya koymaktadır. Özellikle Vahhabilik yoluyla yumuşak güç inşası girişimleri beklenen etkiyi yaratamamıştır. Buna rağmen, intersübjektif anlamlar sınırlı da olsa kültürel değişim ve yumuşak güç dinamiklerini desteklemiştir. Bulgular, sistemik kısıtların göz ardı edilmesinin açıklayıcılığı zayıflattığını göstermektedir. Bu bağlamda, çalışma GCC-Batı Balkan ilişkilerini anlamada sistemik ve intersübjektif analizleri bütünleştiren çift düzeyli bir kuramsal model önermekte ve gelecekteki bölge-dışı çalışmalar için kavramsal bir çerçeve sunmaktadır.

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Cite This Article

Akbal, O. (2026). The Relationship between the Western Balkan and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States: An Intersubjective and Systemic Discussion. Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Vizyoner Dergisi, Cilt: 17 Sayı: 50, 604–621. https://doi.org/10.21076/vizyoner.1680304

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