My name is Nawapon Sakulpan, and I am a student in international relations in the BA (political science) program at Kasetsart University. My early interest in the historical relations of countries, particularly involving the Arab world, was sparked by games, films, and documentaries. Over time, I realised that the portrayal of conflicts often carries biases and omits the root causes. International Relations are not just about people fighting but are deeply influenced by the interests of states. This realisation led me to pursue international relations as my major, and I chose “Middle East in the Modern World” as an elective subject.
When I learned about a field trip to Türkiye organised by Westminster University, which invited two students from Kasetsart to join, I was eager to apply. The application process involved passing an English interview with two questions: my expectations for the trip and my interest in the Middle East.
My expectations for the Türkiye field trip revolve around three key areas. First, I want to deepen my understanding of Türkiye’s culture and politics. Much of my knowledge comes from academic sources that are heavily analysed through an International Relations lens. For example, I learned that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk moved the capital from Constantinople to Ankara and changed the name of the former capital to Istanbul to distance the country from its Ottoman past and build a modern nation-state. Experiencing the historical legacy of Istanbul firsthand will provide me with a deeper understanding of the city’s cultural and political significance.
Second, I hope to generate new research ideas for my future academic work. Some areas I am interested in exploring include Türkiye’s role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the influence of Kurdish politics in Türkiye, and the impact of the rentier state on the region. Finally, I hope the trip will help me improve my soft skills, such as teamwork, leadership, and communication in English. This will be my first time travelling abroad and flying, so I expect it to be a life-changing experience that expands my worldview.
During the interview, I was asked if I would be comfortable trying new things, such as eating local food or sharing a room with someone unfamiliar. I responded confidently, saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” which reflects my willingness to embrace new experiences that will help me grow.
As for my interest in the Middle East, I am particularly drawn to minority topics. The region is often presented as religiously homogeneous, but it is much more diverse than what is portrayed in the media. In addition to Muslims, the Middle East is home to Christian and Druze communities, as well as various denominations within Islam. I am interested in how these religious dynamics shape political landscapes. Another area of interest is the transformation of rentier economies into service-based economies, a topic I hope to explore further. I believe that the Türkiye field trip will broaden my understanding of the Middle East in ways I cannot yet predict. In conclusion, I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Türkiye field trip organised by Westminster University. I believe this experience will be a turning point in my life, helping me gain a broader perspective on the world while enhancing my skills and academic potential.
Nawapon Sakulpan