The Hollings Center for International Dialogue launched its Young Professionals in International Relations (YPIR) Network on June 16, 2014 in Istanbul, Turkey with an event featuring guest speaker Steven Cook, Hasib J. Sabbagh Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. The event brought together 30 young professionals representing academia, the private sector, media, government and non-governmental organizations. Participants had the opportunity to network with other individuals working on or who have an interest in international relations issues due to their professional backgrounds. The event ended with a presentation by Mr. Cook on Changing Power Dynamics in the Middle East: Winners & Losers? Mr. Cook’s presentation focused on U.S. – Turkey relations and the role of the United States and Turkey in the Middle East. The presentation was followed by a question and answer period which included questions regarding Syria, Iraq and Iran.

The aim of the YPIR Network is to create a social and professional networking platform that will give young professionals aged 25-40 an opportunity to meet people working on or interested in “all things IR.” By bringing together multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural backgrounds, the Hollings Center hopes to promote dialogue, further understanding and cooperation.The Hollings Center will have periodical networking meetings in Istanbul, Turkey which will feature speakers on a wide range of international relations issues.

To join the YPIR network, please e-mail Aslı Mutlu at [email protected].