Staten Island Professor Receives Award for Groundbreaking Book

Professor Bilge Yesil of the College of Staten Island has been awarded the prestigious Distinguished Scholarship Award – Best Book of 2025 by the National Communication Association’s International and Intercultural Communication Division. This accolade recognizes her significant contribution to the field of international communication through her latest book, titled “Talking Back to the West: How Turkey Uses Counter-Hegemony to Reshape the Global Communication Order.”

Published in 2024, Yesil’s work critically examines how the ruling Justice and Development Party in Turkey has strategically repositioned the country on the global stage. The book delves into the party’s efforts during the 2010s to establish an English-language media system aimed at reshaping Turkey’s international image, countering Western criticisms regarding its increasingly authoritarian practices, and promoting its geopolitical and economic interests.

Innovative Insights into Media and Power

In her analysis, Yesil explores how media outlets supported by the government portray Turkey as a defender of the oppressed and a counterbalance to Western influences. The book reveals that these media strategies often obscure factual realities, leverage identity politics, and utilize anti-Western rhetoric to reinforce domestic authority and advance Turkey’s regional ambitions.

“It really feels wonderful to receive this recognition from my peers,” said Yesil. “As academics, we invest a great deal of time and energy in our work — often over many years — so it is deeply rewarding to see it recognized and appreciated by readers.”

The International and Intercultural Communication Division praised Yesil’s innovative approach in her book, noting its relevance in understanding the intersections of communication, authoritarianism, religion, and identity politics. This division is recognized as one of the most active scholarly communities, dedicated to advancing research and teaching that transcends cultural and national boundaries.

Encouraging Scholarly Dialogue

Yesil expressed her hope that her book will inspire further discussions and scholarly inquiry into communication strategies employed by countries globally, particularly those that diverge from traditional analytical frameworks. Her insights aim to foster a deeper understanding of how nations navigate the complexities of international communication.

This recognition not only highlights Professor Yesil’s contributions to academia but also reinforces the importance of scholarly discourse in understanding global media dynamics. The award ceremony is a testament to the impactful work being done in the field of communication studies, particularly as it pertains to global power structures and media representation.