Graduates interview
Emre Ünür, PhD
Completed G2SD Program in March 2026 Doctoral Program
Lecturer
Department of Political Science and Public Administration Social Sciences University of Ankara
Department of Political Science and Public Administration Social Sciences University of Ankara
Bridging Turkey and Japan in the Study of Religion, Politics, and Gender
My academic work at the Global Governance and Sustainable Development (G2SD) program at Tohoku University has focused on the intersection of religion, politics, and gender. Within this framework, I conducted a comparative study of Milli Görüş and Soka Gakkai, examining how religious movements operate across different socio-political contexts and how they engage with questions of identity, migration, and institutional structures.
Rather than treating these cases separately, I approached them as two analytical entry points into broader questions concerning the relationship between religion and politics. Working on a comparison between Turkey and Japan, two cases that are seldom brought into direct comparison in the literature, provided a productive analytical challenge. It required engaging with distinct historical trajectories, institutional settings, and cultural frameworks. This comparative perspective contributed to a more nuanced understanding of how religious actors function within different political and social environments, and helped me situate my research within broader debates in political science and sociology.
A key aspect of my doctoral experience was the requirement to produce publishable academic works. This process played a significant role in shaping my development as a researcher. In particular, identifying suitable journals, especially those that maintain rigorous academic standards, proved to be a challenging but instructive process. Preparing manuscripts for submission, revising them in response to peer review, and navigating the publication process provided a clearer understanding of the expectations and practical demands of academic research. It also highlighted the structural difficulties involved in academic publishing, particularly in terms of selecting appropriate venues for dissemination.
The interdisciplinary structure of the G2SD program allowed me to engage with different theoretical and methodological approaches. In addition, interacting with students from different countries and academic backgrounds contributed to broadening my perspective and refining my analytical approach. These exchanges were particularly valuable in situating my own research within a wider set of comparative and global discussions.
I am currently working as a Lecturer (PhD) at the Social Sciences University of Ankara, in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration. In my current position, I continue to work on issues related to religion and politics, while drawing on the comparative framework developed during my doctoral studies. My experience in Japan has informed both my research and teaching, allowing me to engage with students from diverse backgrounds and to introduce different academic approaches and perspectives into the classroom.
Overall, my time in the G2SD program contributed to my academic development primarily by strengthening my research skills and providing practical experience in academic publishing. These experiences continue to shape my work as a researcher and educator.
Rather than treating these cases separately, I approached them as two analytical entry points into broader questions concerning the relationship between religion and politics. Working on a comparison between Turkey and Japan, two cases that are seldom brought into direct comparison in the literature, provided a productive analytical challenge. It required engaging with distinct historical trajectories, institutional settings, and cultural frameworks. This comparative perspective contributed to a more nuanced understanding of how religious actors function within different political and social environments, and helped me situate my research within broader debates in political science and sociology.
A key aspect of my doctoral experience was the requirement to produce publishable academic works. This process played a significant role in shaping my development as a researcher. In particular, identifying suitable journals, especially those that maintain rigorous academic standards, proved to be a challenging but instructive process. Preparing manuscripts for submission, revising them in response to peer review, and navigating the publication process provided a clearer understanding of the expectations and practical demands of academic research. It also highlighted the structural difficulties involved in academic publishing, particularly in terms of selecting appropriate venues for dissemination.
The interdisciplinary structure of the G2SD program allowed me to engage with different theoretical and methodological approaches. In addition, interacting with students from different countries and academic backgrounds contributed to broadening my perspective and refining my analytical approach. These exchanges were particularly valuable in situating my own research within a wider set of comparative and global discussions.
I am currently working as a Lecturer (PhD) at the Social Sciences University of Ankara, in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration. In my current position, I continue to work on issues related to religion and politics, while drawing on the comparative framework developed during my doctoral studies. My experience in Japan has informed both my research and teaching, allowing me to engage with students from diverse backgrounds and to introduce different academic approaches and perspectives into the classroom.
Overall, my time in the G2SD program contributed to my academic development primarily by strengthening my research skills and providing practical experience in academic publishing. These experiences continue to shape my work as a researcher and educator.