Erdoğan highlights ‘existential crisis’ in global system at Antalya Diplomacy Forum
crisis
By Okan Müderrisoğlu, SABAH Daily
Summary: President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has warned of a deepening “existential and moral crisis” in the global system, using the Antalya Diplomacy Forum as a platform to call for a more inclusive and justice-based international order.
Türkiye positions itself as a global diplomatic hub
According to columnist Okan Müderrisoğlu, Türkiye’s ambition to act as a regional power influencing global developments requires internationally recognized platforms.
In this context, the Antalya Diplomacy Forum has emerged over the past five years as a key venue for high-level dialogue, bringing together global actors to discuss crises, propose solutions, and facilitate engagement between conflicting sides.
The forum is increasingly seen as elevating Türkiye’s profile in multilateral diplomacy, alongside established global gatherings such as the Munich Security Conference and the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Erdoğan: Global system faces moral and structural breakdown
Speaking at the forum, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan argued that the international system is facing both a crisis of power and a crisis of direction.
He reiterated his long-standing messages — “the world is bigger than five” and “a fairer world is possible” — in reference to criticism of the current global governance structure.
Erdoğan said that:
- The so-called rules-based order fails when rules are violated
- Institutions tasked with protecting human rights and global security often remain ineffective
- The world is approaching a “dangerous threshold” marked by instability and injustice
Criticism of global governance structures
The Turkish president illustrated the shortcomings of the current system with a widely cited analogy about the United Nations:
- When two small states clash, the dispute disappears
- When a small state faces a large one, the smaller state disappears
- When two major powers clash, the UN itself becomes irrelevant
This critique underscores Ankara’s broader argument that global institutions disproportionately reflect the interests of powerful states.
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Call for a new model based on solidarity
Rather than proposing only institutional reform, Erdoğan emphasized the need for a deeper transformation rooted in solidarity.
He argued that:
- The goal should not be the “law of the powerful,” but the supremacy of international law
- Representation gaps across regions, cultures, and belief systems must be addressed
- A new framework based on mutual interdependence and regional ownership is essential
Erdoğan warned that a system built solely on power politics risks leading humanity toward deeper conflicts and systemic injustice.
‘Peace and humanity front’ as an alternative vision
As part of his proposed framework, Erdoğan called for strengthening what he described as a “peace and humanity front” against war and destruction.
“The stronger we make the front of peace and humanity against war and genocide, the more secure our future will be,” he said.
Rejecting ‘axis shift’ criticism
Erdoğan also addressed long-standing criticism of Türkiye’s foreign policy direction, often described as an “axis shift.”
He rejected the notion, stating that Türkiye is simultaneously:
- Expanding its engagement across different regions and continents
- Reinforcing its existing alliance commitments
This approach reflects Ankara’s attempt to balance multi-regional diplomacy with traditional partnerships.
Diplomatic role of Foreign Ministry highlighted
The article also credited Hakan Fidan for enhancing Türkiye’s diplomatic visibility through both strategic and tactical engagement.
His role in shaping the forum and broader diplomatic outreach was highlighted as part of Türkiye’s evolving foreign policy toolkit.
