Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, in his speech at the TRT World Forum 2026 held at the Istanbul Congress Center, stated that the international system is going through a deep structural crisis and called for a new peace order.
Stating that power centers in global politics are multiplying while common rules are eroding, Duran expressed that international competition is hardening and the sense of shared responsibility is weakening. According to Duran, this picture manifests itself not only in the field of security but also in areas requiring global solidarity such as the climate crisis, migration, pandemics, and food security.
Duran stated that we are in a period where the space for peace is narrowing and the risks of conventional war and proxy conflicts are increasing, adding that the struggle for dominance over artificial intelligence and digital technologies is also creating new power relations. The Communications Director drew attention to the risk of technology turning into a tool of domination and expressed that international institutions are increasingly losing their functionality in the face of these threats.
“HISTORY DOES NOT HAVE TO REPEAT ITSELF”
Describing the events in Gaza as one of the most striking examples demonstrating the crisis of the international system in his speech, Duran argued that the current order is insufficient in protecting peace, justice, and human dignity. He stated that this situation also creates a foundational vacuum for a more just international order.
Duran stated that today's international environment reminds one of the years between the two world wars, noting that competition between major powers is escalating, economic protectionism is spreading, and international institutions are becoming ineffective. “Unfortunately, we are in a period today where the possibility of a Third World War is being discussed,” said Duran, emphasizing that humanity does not have to live through the same historical cycle.
The Communications Director stated that a new international order must be established without experiencing a major war, saying, “The world does not need the victors of a new war, but the founders of a new peace.” Duran noted that the institutional renewal carried out after major wars in the past being realized in peace today is one of the most important political tests of the era.
Stating that Turkey aims for a new international order based on a more balanced distribution of power, inclusive representation, and shared responsibility, Duran indicated that this transformation must be realized with a “founding majority.” He stated that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan continues his call for the international community to act together.
Duran also said that as the Presidential Communications Directorate, they aim to contribute to summit diplomacy through forum diplomacy. Stating that they bring together discussions on the international communication and security agenda in Istanbul, Duran cited the “Allies in Ankara” program held within the scope of the NATO summit and the Turkic World Dialogue Forum within the scope of the Organization of Turkic States summit as examples. Duran announced that a similar forum will be held during the Africa-Turkey Summit next month.
News Source: 12punto
