Umit Gumusten

Istanbul Protests and Protest Culture in Türkiye

Dictators Fear the Streets: The People’s Fight for Democracy in Türkiye

People cannot get their rights without taking to the streets. This is an undeniable truth. Governments, no matter how democratic they claim to be, rarely hand out rights freely. They must be

by Umit Gumusten

April 1, 2025

Drowning in Information, Starving for Knowledge

Curiosity has always been a driver for human progress. From ancient thinkers

The Psychology of Strategic Negotiation: What You Can Learn from Diplomats

Negotiation is everywhere, from closing business deals to workplace dynamics, and even

Must We Be Capitalist to Be an Entrepreneur?: A Non-capitalist Entrepreneur Perspective

Perhaps the most immediate archetype that comes to mind any time the

How Literature Reflects Cultural Nuances in Business

Literature, often perceived as a mirror of society, is an invaluable tool

Mastering Strategic Thinking: Your Blueprint for Success

Unlocking the Power of Strategic Thinking Let’s dive into a topic that’s

Unlocking Potential: The Transformative Power of Mentorship

In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, success is often attributed to innovation,

Opinion

Dying Democracy in Türkiye and Erdoğan’s Journey towards Authoritarianism

February 15, 2025

The Decline of Türkiye’s International Standing Under Erdogan’s Leadership

July 30, 2024

eight EU member states are urging a reassessment of the EU’s strategy on Syria.

Reevaluating the EU’s Approach to Syria: A Call for a Proactive and Pragmatic Policy

July 24, 2024

How to Master International Relations: Key Areas for Expertise and Success

July 23, 2024

Kazakhstan’s Critical Minerals: The New Geopolitical Chess Piece

July 22, 2024

Shaping Policy from the Ground Up: The Impact of Public Opinion on Foreign Policy

July 22, 2024

How Culture, Media, and Diplomacy Shape Global Relations

July 21, 2024

The July 15: A Theater of Power Consolidation

July 15, 2024

The Shifting Political Landscape: A Global Perspective

July 14, 2024

Happy Labour Day! The Importance of the Organized Working Class in Türkiye

May 2, 2024

Why Cultural Intelligence Is Your Business Passport in the Global Marketplace

January 8, 2024

Shifting Alliances in an Era of Intertwined Blocs

October 9, 2023

Are Middlemen in International Trade Obsolete in the Digital Age?

by Umit Gumusten

The role of the middleman in international trade has been around for centuries, but with the digital revolution in full swing, it’s definitely not what it used to be. Anyone involved in

Strategy

September 25, 2024

Agility vs Long-Term Planning: Finding the Right Mix

Planning is important. We hear this all the time. But in a world that moves as

Business·Marketing

September 13, 2024

Using Big Data to Grow Your Small Business

Big data, huh? You think you’ve heard that term thrown around you quite a lot, especially

Business·Strategy

September 9, 2024

Total Factor Productivity: Understanding the Elusive Key to Economic Growth

Productivity is considered by many to be the locomotive driving growth and therefore setting the course

Entrepreneur·Marketing

September 7, 2024

Crafting a Presentation with Impact

When creating a presentation, one of the most crucial steps is understanding your audience. This process

The Timeless Art of Persuasion: A Review of Aristotle’s ‘Rhetoric’

October 6, 2024

by Umit Gumusten

When it comes to understanding the art of persuasion, Aristotle’s Rhetoric is considered one of the foundational texts in Western thought. Written in the 4th century BCE, it stands as a testament to the timeless nature of communication principles. In Rhetoric, Aristotle dissects the components of effective speech and argumentation, providing a

Curiosity Chronicles

October 30, 2024

The Zen of Riding: Finding Freedom, Inspiration, and Mindfulness on the Open Road

There’s something about motorbike riding that feels like pure freedom. It’s not just the speed, the open road, or the rush of adrenaline —it’s the way riding strips away distractions and leaves you with the present moment, fully engaged, fully alive. It’s a feeling of total relief, like shedding the weight of

Book Review

September 13, 2024

Walking the Tightrope: The Fragile Path to Freedom in The Narrow Corridor

In a world where the balance between state and society is always a determinant factor in the fate of nations, “The Narrow Corridor” by Daron Acemoğlu and James A. Robinson gives a completely new look to the complex relations between power and freedom.

Business·Strategy

September 3, 2024

Mastering the VUCA: Strategies for Success in an Unpredictable World

The 21st century has seen some change dramatically in the way organizations operate and compete. In such a world, traditional strategies and long-term planning are increasingly being challenged by rapid and unpredictable change. Thus, the term VUCA-an acronym for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity-has emerged as the descriptive terminology for these conditions

Capital Expenditures (CAPEX) and Operational Expenditures (OPEX)

Strategy

September 1, 2024

CAPEX vs. OPEX: Key Differences and Strategic Implications

In the world of business finance, understanding the difference between Capital Expenditures (CAPEX) and Operational Expenditures (OPEX) is crucial. These two terms represent distinct categories of business expenses, each with its own implications for a company’s financial health, tax obligations, and long-term strategy. Whether you’re an entrepreneur running a startup, a finance

Business·Entrepreneur·Strategy

August 30, 2024

SMART vs. CLEAR: The Future of Goal Setting in a Dynamic World

In the ever-evolving landscape of business and personal development, the way we set goals has a profound impact on our success and satisfaction. Whether you’re an entrepreneur launching a startup, a manager leading a team, or an individual striving for personal growth, the framework you use to set and achieve your goals

Entrepreneur

August 27, 2024

The Essence of Entrepreneurship: Beyond Business

Entrepreneurship is often synonymous with starting and running a business. When we hear the word “entrepreneur,” we tend to think of someone who launches a startup, builds a company from scratch, or develops a groundbreaking product or service. However, the essence of entrepreneurship transcends the confines of business. It’s a mindset, a

Art·Curiosity Chronicles

August 21, 2024

The Evolution of Art and the Dilemma of Modern Times: Aesthetics or Simplicity?

In recent years, I found myself thinking about the direction art is taking and how these changes are perceived by society. Yes, I am not an art expert or critic, but as someone who is just interested in art and aesthetics, I can say with my humble thoughts that the role of

Marketing

August 8, 2024

Navigating 2024: Essential Marketing Trends for Success

As we move through 2024, the marketing landscape continues to evolve rapidly. Staying current with the latest trends is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge and effectively engaging with your audience. Here, we explore the most impactful marketing trends of the year and provide actionable insights to help you integrate these strategies

Art·Curiosity Chronicles

August 3, 2024

The Intersection of Art and Technology: How Innovation is Redefining Creative Expression

In an era where technology permeates every aspect of our lives, its impact on the art world is both profound and transformative. The fusion of art and technology has given rise to new forms of creative expression, reshaping how we create, experience, and appreciate art. This blog explores the dynamic intersection of

Entrepreneur

July 24, 2024

The Art of Pitching: How to Present Your Business to Investors

Pitching your business to investors is an art form that can make or break your entrepreneurial journey. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a novice starting your first venture, mastering the art of pitching is essential. A compelling pitch not only secures the necessary funding but also attracts valuable partners, customers, and

Book Review

July 23, 2024

Timeless Wisdom: An In-Depth Review of “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu

“The Art of War” by Sun Tzu, an ancient Chinese military treatise, is often hailed as one of the greatest books on strategy ever written. Though its primary focus is on warfare, the wisdom contained within its pages transcends the battlefield, offering profound insights into leadership, strategy, and human nature. Written over

Entrepreneur

July 21, 2024

Social Entrepreneurship: Making a Difference While Making a Profit

In an age where consumers are increasingly valuing sustainability and social responsibility, social entrepreneurship has emerged as a powerful model that combines the passion for social change with the rigor and innovation of entrepreneurship. Social entrepreneurs aim to solve societal issues while running profitable businesses. This article explores the concept of social