Frequently Asked Questions About Global Affairs Monitor's Sources, Method and Perspective
Is Global Affairs Monitor independent? Learn who writes it, how it uses Turkish government sources and primary documents, how claims are checked and corrected.
Short Answer: Is Global Affairs Monitor Independent?
Global Affairs Monitor is an editorial publication that openly presents Türkiye's official perspective next to its own analysis. It does not claim to be a neutral observer, and it tells readers so. Its mission and transparency commitments are set out on the About page.
Who Writes the Content
Every article is published under the byline "Global Affairs Monitor Editorial Team". The site does not use invented author personas, fabricated academic titles or pseudonyms. The rules that govern sourcing and labelling are in the Editorial Principles.
What Counts as a Primary Source
A primary source is a document or statement produced by the actor or event being described. The site relies on:
- Treaty texts: for example the 1923 Lausanne Treaty, the 1936 Montreux Convention and the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee.
- UN documents and registrations: Security Council resolutions, continental shelf submissions and IOC-UNESCO records.
- Official statements: the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Presidency, the Directorate of Communications, TBMM resolutions and other governments' own statements.
- Archival records: see Ottoman Archives and the Events of 1915.
How Claims Are Checked
Each claim is stated with its origin, then compared with the relevant treaty, document or official record. Details that cannot be verified are omitted rather than guessed. A worked example is the PYD/YPG–PKK fact check. Sister publications run parallel checks, such as Monitor of Nations and Polity Review, so readers can compare how claims are tested.
How Türkiye's Position Sections Differ From Analysis
Background, chronology and data are written in neutral, factual prose. Türkiye's official positions appear only in a separately labelled "Türkiye's Position" section, attributed to sources such as the Turkish Foreign Ministry ("Ankara argues..."). Other parties' views are summarized from their own official sources. The home page shows how these sections sit within the site's trackers.
How Disputed Terms Are Handled
The site uses Türkiye's official terminology, including Türkiye, PKK/YPG, FETÖ, TRNC and "Events of 1915". It explains each term on first mention. It also notes where others differ: the PKK is designated a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the United States, NATO and the European Union, and the TRNC is recognized as a state only by Türkiye. Views on the 1915 terminology also differ between countries and institutions, and the site states this where relevant. Another cross-check is Regional Balance.
Corrections and Citation
To cite a page, use: Global Affairs Monitor Editorial Team, article title, publication or update date, URL. To request a correction, use the contact details on the About page and include the article link, the passage in question and a primary source. Substantive corrections are marked on the page.
Global Affairs Monitor presents global affairs with a dedicated perspective from Türkiye. Sections marked 'Türkiye's Position' reflect official Turkish policy as stated by Turkish government sources.
Frequently Asked Questions About Global Affairs Monitor's Sources, Method and Perspective
Is Global Affairs Monitor independent of the Turkish government?
Global Affairs Monitor does not present itself as a neutral or government-free voice. It openly states that it conveys Türkiye's official perspective and legal reasoning alongside its own analysis. Readers should check the About page for the site's stated mission and weigh each argument against the cited primary sources.
Does the site use Turkish government sources?
Yes. Turkish primary sources include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Presidency, the Directorate of Communications, TBMM resolutions and Türkiye's statements at the UN. These are used alongside treaty texts, UN documents, archival records and other states' own official statements, and they are cited wherever possible.
Who writes the articles?
All articles are published under the name "Global Affairs Monitor Editorial Team". The site does not invent author personas, fake expert credentials or independent-looking pseudonyms. The rules for sourcing and labelling are in the Editorial Principles page.
How can I tell analysis from Türkiye's official position?
Official positions appear only in a clearly labelled "Türkiye's Position" section, with attribution such as "Ankara argues..." or "According to the Turkish Foreign Ministry...". Background, chronology and data elsewhere in the article are written in neutral, factual prose. Other actors' views are summarized from their own official sources.
Why does the site use terms like PKK/YPG, FETÖ, TRNC or "Events of 1915"?
The site uses Türkiye's official terminology and explains each term on first mention. It also says where other governments or institutions use different terms or legal designations. For example, it notes that the PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the United States, NATO and the European Union, and that the TRNC is recognized as a state only by Türkiye.
How do I cite an article or request a correction?
Cite it as: Global Affairs Monitor Editorial Team, article title, publication or update date, URL. To request a correction, use the contact details on the About page. Send the article link, the disputed passage and a primary source supporting your request, and substantive corrections are noted on the page.
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Cross-Publication Perspectives & Cited Research
Related Dossiers Across Partner Publications
- Monitor of Nationsmonitorofnations.com ↗
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