Why did I feel it was interesting to interview Selcen? She is a Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Bahçeşehir University. A specialist in European identity, migration, populism, and Turkey–EU relations, she has dedicated more than two decades to examining how questions of belonging, citizenship, and solidarity shape European politics. Her PhD focused on the construction of European identity within the EU, and her research has evolved into influential publications, including Turkey and the EU: The Question of European Identity (Lexington Books, 2011). Beyond her academic work, she is also a published poet, reflecting the deep connection between intellectual inquiry and artistic sensibility that characterizes her career. Most recently, Selcen continues her work at Bahçeşehir University while preparing a new English-language book exploring the historical and cultural exchanges between Turks and Europeans from the Ottoman Empire to the Republic of Türkiye.

This interview is particularly compelling because it weaves together the personal and the political. Selcen reflects not only on European identity, migration governance, populism, and democratic backsliding, but also on the formative influences of her childhood by the Bosphorus, the role of literature and art in shaping her worldview, and her commitment to mentoring younger generations. Her insights illuminate the tensions between solidarity and securitization in Europe while also offering a deeply human perspective on hope, responsibility, and resilience in an era of global uncertainty.

Here’s our exchange:

Where are you originally from, and what aspects of your childhood there most shaped who you are today?

My parents are from Denizli, Türkiye, but I was born and raised in Istanbul. Since the age of nine, I have lived very close to the Bosphorus with my family. Walking along and simply looking at the Bosphorus has given me profound inspiration about life and self-discovery. As the meeting point of Europe and Asia, it carries both symbolic and emotional meaning for me. I have written several poems about it.

The Bosphorus feels magical. There are currents flowing from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean and from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea. With the changing weather, sunlight, and clouds, its colors shift constantly—throughout the day and across the seasons. It reminds you that everything in life flows and changes. It always gives hope and inspiration. It is one of the few things in my life that continues to captivate me each time I see it, as if it were the first time.

Every April 23rd, Türkiye celebrates National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, dedicated to the children of the world by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founding leader of the Republic of Türkiye. As a child, I loved watching on television the folk dances performed by children who came from different countries to celebrate in Türkiye. I always wanted to have friends from different countries. Looking back, I think this was the first sign that I would study international relations.

During primary and high school, I read poems at national ceremonies, participated in poetry competitions, and won several awards. I began writing poetry at the age of fifteen. After returning home from school, I would read and write poems while listening to the radio. In 2015, after becoming an Associate Professor, I finally found the courage to publish my first poetry book, Gönlümün Gökkuşağı (“The Rainbow of My Heart”).

How would you describe your family environment growing up, and who were the most influential figures in your early life?

I was fortunate to grow up in a peaceful and loving family environment. My father is a high school Turkish literature teacher , he worked as heads of several historical high schools in Istanbul and he completed his PhD in Turkish literature in his fifties. He loves books, reading, and writing—and he has also published a poetry book. He has been one of the greatest inspirations in my life.

My mother is one of the wisest women I have ever known. She has been like a life coach to me since childhood and became my best friend after I graduated from university. She has always encouraged me to follow my dreams, improve myself, and be a strong, self-confident woman. I am truly lucky that my parents have always made me feel understood and supported me in pursuing my dreams.

Were there particular family or cultural traditions that played a lasting role in shaping your values or worldview?

Respect to each other,  being trustworthy and keeping your promises, showing kindness to everyone,  being democratic and open minded were core values in our household. Most importantly, we were taught to see everyone first and foremost as a human being, regardless of their background, origin, or position. These values, which I witnessed consistently in my family, have played a lasting role in shaping who I am.

What initially drew you to the field you chose to study, and was there a moment when you realized it was the right path for you?

When choosing my undergraduate field of study, I spent a great deal of time searching for the right option. There was no internet then, so I spoke with people from different professions and examined university brochures at preparation courses for the university entrance exam.

During a summer camp I attended in Çanakkale while in high school, I met a young woman who had recently graduated from the Political Science and International Relations Department at Boğaziçi University. She deeply inspired me regarding which department to choose. I wanted to study something I truly enjoyed, and I feel fortunate to have found it.

Especially in my third and fourth years of undergraduate studies, when I took specialized courses and met inspiring professors, I realized I had chosen the right path. During my Master’s degree, I became certain that I wanted to specialize in this field. I began working as a research assistant at a university while completing my Master’s, which further confirmed my academic aspirations.

At what age did you begin working, and what did your first job teach you about responsibility or independence?

During my undergraduate years, I completed several internships. I tried working in the insurance sector, which made me realize that I did not want to work in that field or in banking. Time seemed to pass very slowly, and I felt bored.

I also interned in the foreign affairs department of a television channel. Although the work was enjoyable, the hours were extremely long—even as an intern, I only had Sundays off and worked until 7:00 p.m. Salaries were quite low, even for graduates of communication faculties. Additionally, workplace relationships felt complicated and challenging for me as a sensitive person.

While pursuing my Master’s degree, I started working as a research assistant at a public university. I was entrusted with significant responsibilities. I wanted a job closely connected to my department, and I realized that an academic career was the most suitable path for me. It aligned with my interests—researching, writing, teaching, and mentoring students. I have also always been interested in psychology, which complements academic mentoring.

During this period, I began earning my own income and gradually became financially independent. I came to understand that financial independence is a fundamental condition for personal independence.

How would you describe your current professional role, and what aspects of it do you find most meaningful?

I am currently working as a Professor in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Bahçeşehir University. The most meaningful aspect of my role is my communication with students. I strive not only to teach my specialized subjects but also to encourage students to discover themselves, identify their dreams, and search for meaning in their lives.

Since the pandemic—and especially with the rise of artificial intelligence—this human dimension of teaching has become even more meaningful to me. I believe genuine human interaction is increasingly valuable.

Secondly, I love writing books. I believe books are among the most important legacies we leave for future generations. The books I have written are among the most meaningful works I have produced, based on more than twenty years of research and experience.

How has the concept of European identity evolved in the past decade, and is it now under greater strain from internal fragmentation or external geopolitical pressure?

However, cultural and civic perceptions of European identity have competed throughout the European integration process. Christian Democrats have often supported a cultural conception based on three pillars: Christianity, Greek heritage, and the Roman legacy. Social Democrats and Greens, by contrast, have generally favored a civic conception grounded in universal democratic values.

In the 21st century, with the rise of populism and the far right, more diverse and polarized visions of Europe have emerged. The primary divide today is between the Europe envisioned by far-right and that of mainstream parties—although mainstream parties themselves still contain both civic and cultural strands. In recent years the far right parties  are mostly in favour of the idea of ‘Europe of nations’. They also claim that they may be able to protect European cultural identity much better than the mainstream parties. However, they usually have a nativist approach which is mostly exclusivist towards immigrants and refugees.

In addition to internal fragmentation, external geopolitical pressures have intensified, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the return of Donald Trump to power in the United States. These developments have influenced the ongoing construction of European identity. In an increasingly unpredictable and polycrisis-driven world, the EU has been seeking to strengthen its geostrategic autonomy.

To what extent has migration ceased to be a policy issue and become instead a defining fault line in European politics?

Since the migration crisis, migration has become a defining fault line in European politics. It has been one of the primary drivers behind the growing influence of populist and far-right parties. It remains a highly influential issue at both national and European levels.

We have witnessed the securitization of migration and the externalization of migration management toward neighboring countries such as Türkiye, Libya, and Morocco. At the same time, elements of far-right discourse have become increasingly mainstream. Particularly within center-right parties, rising far-right influence has shaped migration rhetoric and policy positions.

Is the EU’s approach to migration governance structurally incompatible with its normative commitments to human rights and solidarity?

Since its foundation, the EU has been regarded as a normative power and a solidarity project. However, after the migration crisis, this role has faced significant challenges.

We have also observed differentiated treatment of migrants. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian asylum seekers were largely welcomed in many EU member states. In contrast, non-European and Muslim asylum seekers have faced greater obstacles and discrimination.

Solidarity among member states has also been tested. Under the Dublin system, member states located at the EU’s external borders have borne a disproportionate burden of migration flows. In this context, some countries, such as Hungary, resisted responsibility-sharing mechanisms, including the relocation of refugees.

How do populist and far-right movements successfully instrumentalize identity and belonging in ways that mainstream politics has failed to counter?

In a globalized world, many people fear losing their identities. At the same time, gaps between those who benefit from globalization and those who do not have widened. These disparities have become more visible in the age of social media and artificial intelligence.

As Norris and Inglehart argue, two primary drivers of populism are economic insecurity and cultural backlash. Even in Nordic welfare states, populism has risen. In these countries, particularly after the migration crisis, cultural backlash has been especially influential, as people fear losing their national or European identities.

Far-right parties claim they can better protect national and European identities, particularly through the securitization of migration and stricter border controls. They employ nativist discourse and policies, instrumentalizing identity to increase support.

When mainstream parties struggle to provide convincing solutions, far-right actors exploit this environment. Rather than offering comprehensive solutions, they often identify scapegoats—frequently refugees or non-European, Muslim migrants—to mobilize political support.

Can multiculturalism still function as a viable political model in Europe, or has it been irreversibly reframed as a security concern?

In 2010, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared the “death of multiculturalism” in Germany. In 2011, former British Prime Minister David Cameron similarly stated that “state multiculturalism has failed.”

In today’s context, it is difficult to argue that multiculturalism can easily return as a viable political model in Europe. Increasing external geoeconomic and geostrategic challenges in European and global politics, combined with the rise of widespread anti-migrant and anti-refugee sentiments, have significantly reshaped the debate. These sentiments have been amplified by social media and mobilized by populist far-right actors. Under such conditions, multiculturalism is increasingly framed through a security lens rather than as a political or social ideal.

How does gender intersect with migration and identity politics in Europe, and why is this dimension still marginal in policy debates?

Gender intersects with nearly all political issues. However, it is still insufficiently discussed and evaluated in policy debates. There is a clear need for more in-depth analysis of the gender dimension across all policy fields and for its meaningful integration into policymaking processes.

In migration and identity politics, the gender dimension is particularly crucial. Anti-immigrant far-right parties often reduce women’s roles to motherhood and focus narrowly on their position within the family. Moreover, many of these parties promote anti-LGBT rhetoric and policies, which can further deepen discrimination within European societies. Despite its importance, gender remains marginalized in many policy discussions.

Is the politicization of refugees primarily a reflection of socioeconomic anxiety, or is it rooted in deeper historical narratives of exclusion?

In my view, the politicization of refugees is rooted primarily in deeper historical narratives of exclusion and discrimination. This is evident in the differentiated treatment of Ukrainian asylum seekers compared to non-European and Muslim asylum seekers, particularly in the rhetoric of far-right parties.

At the same time, in the 21st century’s polycrisis environment, rising socioeconomic anxieties have intensified this politicization. Populist far-right actors frequently construct refugees as scapegoats for a range of social and economic problems, reinforcing both historical prejudices and contemporary insecurities.

Has the concept of citizenship lost its integrative power in an era of transnational mobility and layered identities?

In my opinion, citizenship remains one of the main integrative concepts capable of providing equality among diverse identities in an era of transnational mobility and layered identities. Today, it is common for individuals to hold multiple identities simultaneously.

In addition to citizenship, the rule of law is another crucial factor for maintaining stable and peaceful societies while ensuring legal equality. Together, these principles can still serve as anchors of integration.

To what extent do EU integration policies inadvertently reinforce exclusion by demanding cultural conformity rather than civic participation?

Ideally, EU integration policies should prioritize civic participation. However, in practice, we increasingly observe expectations of cultural conformity in several member states.

In recent years, there has been growing emphasis at the EU level on European cultural identity, which can take on more exclusionary dimensions. As a result, particularly since the migration crisis and the rise of populism and the far right, non-European and Muslim immigrants have faced greater discrimination.

Can the European Union realistically develop a common migration and asylum policy, or are national interests too entrenched?

One of the EU’s most significant challenges is developing a common migration and asylum policy, a task that directly tests its foundational identity as a solidarity project.

Under the Dublin Convention, member states located at the EU’s external borders have borne a disproportionate share of irregular migration flows. Consequently, member states farther from the external borders have often been hesitant to revise the Dublin system. External border countries such as Italy, Greece, and Spain have sought to externalize migration management with EU support.

National interests have become increasingly prominent, especially after the migration crisis. The introduction of the new Pact on Migration and Asylum represents an effort to address these challenges. Although it includes some improvements, there is still a long way to go toward establishing a sustainable common EU migration and asylum policy based on solidarity and a balanced approach to security and freedoms. For the foreseeable future, securitization and externalization are likely to remain central features of EU migration governance.

How do Turkey–EU relations shape the politics of migration and belonging on both sides, and who holds leverage today?

Turkey–EU relations have transformed significantly since the migration crisis. Following the so-called “refugee deal” of March 2016, Turkey became the EU’s primary partner in the externalization of migration management.

During Turkey’s EU accession process—especially after its official candidate status was granted in December 1999—relations were largely based on the principle of conditionality. However, after the migration crisis, the relationship evolved into a more interest-based and transactional framework.

There remains a strong need for cooperation in policy areas such as migration, energy, security, and defense. To build more sustainable relations, mutual trust must be strengthened, and universal values should remain part of the agenda alongside pragmatic collaboration. Particularly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the EU’s growing focus on strategic autonomy, deeper cooperation between Turkey and the EU has become increasingly necessary.

Is academic research on migration sufficiently influencing policymaking, or is it increasingly sidelined by electoral politics?

The rise of populism has negatively affected the influence of academic research on policymaking, particularly in the field of migration. Political parties and policymakers should engage more seriously with academic research to design sustainable and effective policies. Unfortunately, electoral considerations often overshadow evidence-based approaches.

How should scholars respond when migration research is selectively used—or misused—to justify restrictive policies?

Scholars must respond carefully and proactively when migration research is selectively used or misused to justify restrictive policies. They should publicly clarify misinterpretations and engage with policymakers when necessary.

Using media platforms—including social media—can help scholars inform broader audiences and correct distortions of academic findings.

Are universities and intellectuals doing enough to engage the public on identity, diversity, and coexistence beyond academic circles?

There should be more open, public online and face-to-face courses addressing topics that encourage respect for ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity. A widening gap between universities and the public has emerged, and populist rhetoric has deepened this divide.

Some far-right movements have aligned themselves with anti-vaccine movements and promoted anti-elite, including anti-scientist, rhetoric. In an age of misinformation and disinformation, bridging the gap between academia and society is essential. Social media can be an effective tool for academics to communicate their research in accessible and understandable ways to broader audiences.

In a period of democratic backsliding and global uncertainty, what responsibility do political scientists have beyond analysis and critique?

In times of democratic backsliding and global uncertainty, political scientists have several responsibilities beyond analysis. First, they must emphasize the importance of science for the sustainability of democratic societies.

Second, in an era of misinformation and disinformation, they should highlight how these dynamics intensify polarization.

Third, they should engage more actively with the public through television programs, YouTube channels, and podcasts to explain the policy implications of their research.

In the age of artificial intelligence and social media, they must also teach students how to distinguish between misinformation, disinformation, and verified knowledge, emphasizing fact-checking and rigorous research methods.

Has there been a book, film, or work of art that significantly influenced the way you see the world or think about your work?

One of the books that influenced me most deeply is Essays by Montaigne. I dream of writing a book of essays one day that reflects my own perspective on life. Another influential work is The Little Prince.

When I was in high school, watching the Mexican series Alcanzar una Estrella inspired me to learn Spanish, which I began studying during my undergraduate years.

Cris Shore’s Building Europe: The Cultural Politics of European Integration inspired my PhD dissertation, titled “Construction of European Identity within the EU.” This work later evolved into my book Turkey and the EU: The Question of European Identity, published by Lexington in 2011.

Virginia Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own also deeply inspired me. Antoni Gaudí’s architecture transformed the way I perceive architecture, color, interior design, and even fashion. His integration of nature into architectural forms has influenced how I use color in my daily style and living spaces.

Orhan Pamuk’s novel The Museum of Innocence reshaped my understanding of time and memory. The novel has also been adapted into a series available on Netflix.

Looking at younger generations today, what gives you the greatest sense of hope, and what concerns you the most?

What gives me the greatest hope is that younger generations are often honest and brave. They adapt quickly to new technologies and demonstrate remarkable flexibility.

My main concern is their increasingly unsocial lifestyles and widespread dependence on smartphones. Many young people read fewer books and rely heavily on artificial intelligence for information, which may affect memory, analytical thinking, and social skills.

If you could spend a full day with any historical figure, who would you choose, and what questions would you want to ask them?

I would choose Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founding father of Türkiye, who continues to inspire hope and courage in Turkish society. I would ask him about his visionary leadership and how he found the courage to establish the Turkish Republic under extremely difficult circumstances. Did he have any regrets? What were his dreams, and to what extent was he able to realize them? What would be his recommendations to us to build a peaceful and prosperous future in today’s world?

I would also choose Mihri Rasim (Müşfik), one of the first Turkish women painters of the late Ottoman and early Republican periods. She was a courageous woman who pursued her dreams in Rome, Paris, and the United States at a time when such journeys were extraordinary for women. For many years, she remained relatively invisible in historical narratives. A recent documentary titled Kim Mihri tells her inspiring and adventurous story. I would ask her how she found the courage to follow her dreams, what disappointments she faced, and what advice she would offer to women artists today.

If you were asked to teach a class on a subject completely unrelated to your profession, what would it be, and what would you hope students take away from it?

I would teach a course on how to live a meaningful life—how to construct one’s life with purpose. I would focus on the role of art in daily life, how to enjoy life, and how to discover oneself throughout a lifelong journey.

I observe that many students struggle to identify their dreams or sources of excitement. Although they have access to extensive technological resources, many feel uncertain about their future after graduation. I would hope this course would help students better understand themselves and discover their aspirations, guiding them toward their own unique paths.

If you could ensure that one human value is never lost in society, which value would you choose, and why?

I would choose respect and kindness. If people respect one another’s differences and act with kindness, societies are far more likely to remain peaceful.

Humanity is facing radical changes. To name just ten: geopolitical instability, climate change, economic inequalities, technological risks, public health challenges, political polarization, resource scarcity, humanitarian crises, misinformation, and disparities in global healthcare access. If, in an imaginative exercise, you had the power to solve one of these problems, which one would you choose first and why?

I would choose to address climate change first, as it affects the entire world and will have even more severe consequences for future generations. In addition, solving of this issue may ease solving of most of the other problems that were mentioned as well.

What do you believe human beings owe one another, both as individuals and as members of a global society?

Human beings owe one another respect and recognition of their equal dignity, regardless of origin or background.

Interviews often focus on successes. Could you share something from 2025 that did not unfold as you expected, and what that experience taught you?

I cannot recall a specific example. Life includes inevitable challenges and occasional failures. In academia, rejections—whether for applications or publications—are common. The key to success is perseverance.

Sometimes events do not unfold as expected, but with time, one may understand the reasons behind them. If you have done your best to pursue your goals, you can feel at peace—even if the outcome differs from your expectations.

Are there any personal or professional goals you feel comfortable sharing for 2026?

I aim to complete the draft of my new book in English, based on my recent work examining cultural and artistic exchanges between Turks and Europeans from the Ottoman Empire to the Republic of Türkiye.

In this book, I argue that Turkish–European relations are deep and complex, requiring us to look beyond narratives of “otherness.” Since the late Ottoman period, Europe has been a central reference point in modernization processes. The relationship has been shaped by intertwined emotions—love and resentment, curiosity and indifference, admiration and critique. Historical narratives significantly influence contemporary perceptions, and I aim to analyze these narratives while incorporating insights from academics, experts, and artists.

When you imagine the final moments of your life, what kind of news would you most hope to hear, and why?

I would hope to hear news of greater peace in the world—peace and hope in my country, and genuine progress toward gender equality globally. I would wish to see women fully enjoying their rights and freedoms everywhere. In addition, I would like to see closer collaboration between Turkiye and the EU. This would show the world that different countries, actors may act together on the basis of common values and  common future goals, no matter what their culture and identity is.

Personally, I hope to realize my dreams of writing the books I envision and traveling to cities I long to explore. Above all, I hope I will have positively touched the lives of those I love and written works that offer hope and inspiration to future generations—especially young women.