Hakan Fidan says Antalya Diplomacy Forum highlights need for regional solutions as multilateralism weakens and global order in ‘free fall’

By Gizem Nisa Demir and Mustafa Kirikcioglu

“Diplomacy is much more relevant than ever, and much more needed than ever,” said Fidan, speaking on day two of the Fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum in the southern Turkish city of Antalya.

Fidan noted that global diplomacy platforms often prioritize Western-centric issues while conflicts in the Middle East, North Africa, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean get limited attention.

“But regional issues, especially those very much related to our region, have not been discussed in depth,” Fidan said, adding that the Antalya Diplomacy Forum offers “a unique opportunity for our region to have regional discussions and to bring some regional solutions and ideas.”

Fidan said diplomacy has become increasingly critical as the international system weakens.

“In an era where we see a lapse of multilateralism and international order, we need much more dialogue,” he said, warning that the breakdown of global rules forces countries to rely more on coordination to avoid conflict.

He said the post-Cold War international system began to weaken after 2010, describing the current period as a “free fall” that requires countries to reassess global governance.

“If we wait for the usual system to run its course … (and) we need to see a war or destruction … then we start learning,” Fidan said. “This time, hopefully, instead of learning by mistake, we can start learning by wisdom.”

Fidan stressed regional ownership as a cornerstone of Türkiye’s foreign policy, calling on countries in the Middle East, Caucasus, Balkans and Mediterranean to address their own challenges.

“When hegemons come to fix the problem, they create more problems than solutions,” he said, adding that regional cooperation among mature nation-states could reduce conflicts.

“Now they have become, most of them, mature. So, it is time for all of us to come together in a very mature way and to own our problems,” he said.

‘In diplomacy, you need to engage with every party’

Fidan also criticized expansionist policies in the region.

“Every nation is on board. Nobody is after what belongs to someone else, except for Israel. Israel is pursuing expansionist policies,” he said, adding that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity could resolve “over 80% of the problems.”

He said Türkiye maintains dialogue with all sides in conflicts, emphasizing diplomacy over alignment.

“We are engaging in diplomacy, not war,” he said.

“In a war, you need to take sides. But in diplomacy, you need to engage with every party,” he added, noting that Ankara’s priority is to prevent wars and end ongoing conflicts to enable trade, stability, and development.

Fidan said Türkiye is working to address conflicts from Ukraine and Gaza to Iran and parts of Africa, to ensure stability and development.

“Too much disruption, too much bloodshed and too much instability and too much spillover affect the rest of the world.”

Fidan also said regional conflicts remain highly interconnected and unstable, as they are prone “to every kind of escalation, region-wise or otherwise.”

On the continuing Russia-Ukraine war, Fidan said talks continue despite setbacks and Türkiye is encouraging dialogue and a ceasefire.

“The good thing is we see both sides and the mediators … still willing to go ahead,” he said, though adding that the conflict continues to cause “huge disruption” globally.

Fidan also said the war involving Iran has shifted attention away from the Ukraine negotiations.

“Once a ceasefire or peace agreement is concluded with Iran, we need to immediately move our attention back to the Ukraine talks,” he said, warning of the risk of escalation and broader instability.

‘Israel has not fulfilled its obligations’

Negotiations aimed at advancing a Gaza ceasefire plan are continuing in Cairo, said Fidan, but added that Israel has not fully met its obligations under the phase one of the deal.

Fidan said mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye are assessing implementation of the initial phase of the agreement and preparing for next steps.

“We have not seen Israel, especially when it comes to the humanitarian part of the deal, they have not actually fulfilled their obligations regarding the first phase,” Fidan said.

He said humanitarian aid, medical supplies, shelter deliveries, and the establishment of a Palestinian technical committee in Gaza remain unfulfilled requirements.

“We need more humanitarian assistance, more medical assistance. We need permission to bring in shelters,” he said, adding that the talks in Cairo are focused on moving forward if conditions are met.

Fidan said the first phase of a broader Gaza peace plan, launched last year with participation from Türkiye, the United States, and other partners, helped halt large-scale killings, though violence continues.

International system in flux

Turning to global politics, Fidan said the international system built after World War II is facing strains as major powers reassess their roles.

“The United States was the pioneer of the New World Order,” he said, but added that it has increasingly shifted toward unilateral policies as the system no longer serves only its interests.

He argued that emerging powers and regional blocs are now seeking greater coordination amid growing instability.

He said middle powers are increasingly forming regional and cross-regional cooperation frameworks and must ask “essential questions” to manage shifting global dynamics.

He warned that reduced US engagement could leave parts of the international system weaker and less stable.

Fidan also pointed to NATO and European security discussions, saying any potential reduction in US involvement must be managed carefully to avoid instability.

He said preparations are underway for a major NATO summit in July, hosted in the Turkish capital Ankara, which will focus on alliance priorities and burden-sharing.

He noted tensions within the European Union’s approach to security coordination, arguing that parallel decision-making structures between NATO and the EU have created inconsistencies.

He also said discussions involving Türkiye, the UK, and European partners on future security architecture face institutional and political obstacles.

Despite the challenges, Fidan said diplomacy remains essential.

“Dialogue, diplomacy, and communications are needed more than ever,” he reiterated, adding that the Antalya forum aims to provide a platform where all actors can express their views amid rising global uncertainty.