İdris Bal

İdris Bal (born 1968) is a Turkish academic and politician. He is known for his expertise in international relations and Turkish foreign policy.

Bal received his doctorate in international relations from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom. He has held various academic positions, including professorships, at universities in Turkey and abroad. His research interests include Turkish foreign policy, Middle Eastern politics, and international security.

In the political arena, İdris Bal co-founded the People's Voice Party (Halkın Sesi Partisi - HAS Parti) in 2010, alongside Numan Kurtulmuş. He served as a member of parliament for Kütahya from 2011 to 2015, representing the Justice and Development Party (Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi - AKP). He later resigned from the AKP.

Bal has authored numerous books and articles on Turkish foreign policy and international relations. He is a frequent commentator on Turkish politics and foreign affairs. He was arrested in 2016 and subsequently imprisoned, facing charges related to the 2016 Turkish coup attempt. These charges and his subsequent imprisonment have been a source of controversy and debate, particularly concerning freedom of speech and political dissent in Turkey. His case has been followed by international human rights organizations.