Erdogan warns of breakdown in global order, calls it a “moral crisis”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday warned that the global order is undergoing a profound breakdown, saying the world is confronting a deepening crisis in both leadership and direction and has reached what he called a “serious and dangerous threshold.”
He made the remarks during the opening ceremony of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026, where he delivered a wide-ranging address focused on international conflicts, diplomacy, and regional stability.
Criticism of global system and humanitarian failures
Erdogan argued that international institutions responsible for safeguarding human rights and global security have failed to respond effectively to major crises around the world. In some cases, he said, these institutions have shown indifference despite escalating violence and humanitarian suffering.
He described the current global situation as not only a political crisis but also a “moral and existential crisis,” pointing particularly to developments in Gaza after the events of October 7 as an example of what he views as a breakdown of the international order.
According to Erdogan, interpreting the situation in Gaza solely as a humanitarian tragedy would be insufficient. He said it instead reflects deeper structural weaknesses in the global system that is supposed to prevent such conflicts.
He also extended his criticism to the international response to ongoing conflicts in Syria, Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, saying the global system has failed to meet even “the most basic test of humanity” in these regions.
Emphasis on diplomacy and ceasefire efforts
Calling for restraint and dialogue, Erdogan stressed that diplomatic channels must remain open and protected, warning against the replacement of negotiations with armed conflict.
“No matter how deep the disagreements, we must not allow words to be replaced by weapons or negotiations by bloody conflict,” he said.
Referring to tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, he said the current ceasefire environment should be used as an opportunity to build a foundation for long-term peace. He emphasized that all parties should act cautiously and remain alert to any attempts that could undermine ongoing negotiations, including what he described as possible efforts by Israel to disrupt the process.
Regional security and strategic concerns
Erdogan also highlighted the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that maritime access for Gulf countries should remain unrestricted. He said freedom of navigation must be protected under international rules and that commercial shipping through the strait should continue without obstruction.
Syria, Ukraine, and broader diplomatic goals
Turning to regional issues, Erdogan said that restoring stability in Syria is essential for long-term security across the Middle East. He emphasized that normalization efforts in the country would benefit the wider region.
On the Russia-Ukraine war, he reiterated Türkiye’s readiness to support diplomatic initiatives, including hosting or facilitating a possible leaders’ summit if both sides are willing to engage in direct talks.
Relations with the European Union and regional disputes
Erdogan also reaffirmed Türkiye’s long-standing goal of joining the European Union, while urging the bloc to resolve what he called its “direction problem” and to remain aligned with its founding principles.
Regarding tensions in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, he said Türkiye aims to transform the region into a zone of stability and prosperity. At the same time, he rejected what he described as “maximalist unilateral approaches” that exclude Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus from regional arrangements.
Foreign policy outlook
Concluding his remarks, Erdogan said Türkiye continues to pursue a balanced and peaceful foreign policy while strengthening existing alliances. He added that Ankara remains open to cooperation with neighboring countries, particularly through development and connectivity initiatives such as the “Development Road” project, which focuses on energy and transport links across the region.