Türkiye's Duran: 'New communication ethic' needed as global order transforms

Turkish Communications Director Burhanettin Duran emphasized Türkiye's emergence as a regional power and global balancing actor through its multi-dimensional foreign policy, writing that the international system is undergoing a "profound and structural transformation." In an article for Anadolu ahead of the fifth International Strategic Communication Summit (Stratcom Summit) 2026 in Istanbul, Duran said the conflict triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran's retaliation has become a central agenda item.

Legitimacy crisis

"The legitimacy crisis within the international system fundamentally stems from a lack of representation and the erosion of the sense of justice," Duran wrote. "Criticisms of the under-representation of non-Western perspectives and the disproportionate influence of certain dominant powers over international institutions are finding wider resonance." He noted that the rise of global issues such as injustice, inequality, and discrimination weakens trust in states and heightens societal vulnerabilities.

Strategic communication's role

Duran stressed that the repercussions of the US-Israeli war with Iran, which has directly targeted energy infrastructure and triggered a multidimensional global crisis, will be a central focus at the Stratcom Summit. "The disinformation campaigns and psychological warfare tactics we witnessed before and during the conflict have once again demonstrated the importance of strategic communication within the framework of national security," he said.

New communication ethic

"What we need today is a new communication ethic anchored in truth rather than speed, justice rather than power, and human dignity rather than engagement count. We in Türkiye conduct ourselves, mindful of this responsibility," Duran wrote. He cited President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's maxim "The world is bigger than five" as epitomizing this understanding, noting it is "not just a criticism; it is also the articulation of an alternative global vision."

Türkiye's mediation role

"What most strongly underpins Türkiye's role as a mediator is its ability to build trust between parties," Duran wrote. He highlighted the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Türkiye's diplomatic engagements in the Middle East, and its mediation efforts in Africa as examples of concrete contributions to peace and stability. "In an international environment increasingly shaped by polarization, an approach that maintains balanced relations with diverse actors while recognizing the sensibilities of all sides is of particular importance."

Stratcom Summit vision

The Stratcom Summit, to be held in Istanbul on March 27-28, will bring together leaders, diplomats, communication professionals, academics, and opinion leaders from different regions to discuss the future of the global system. "In the emerging era, power will be defined not only by military and economic capabilities but also by the capacity to shape narratives, generate meaning, and build trust," Duran concluded.