As part of the International Strategic Communication Summit (STRATCOM) 2026, the panel titled "Crisis of Legitimacy and Trust: Perceptions of the International Order" was held.
Moderated by Assoc. Prof. Murat Aslan, Faculty Member at Hasan Kalyoncu University and Senior Researcher at SETA, the panel featured speakers including Robert Ford, former U.S. Ambassador; Vincenzo Le Voci, Founder of the Venice Club; Laszlo Vasa, Chief Advisor and Senior Research Fellow at the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs; Cüneyt Yüksel, Chairperson of the Justice Commission of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye and AK Party MP for İstanbul; and Oliver McTernan, Director of Forward Thinking.
McTernan thanked the Directorate of Communications for organising STRATCOM and emphasised that the world is in the midst of a crisis. Highlighting the need to avoid being swept away by a wave of arrogance, McTernan stated that the United Nations (UN) needs to be restructured. McTernan noted the need to preserve the rules-based order, highlighting that the root of the problem lies in granting immunity to the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. Underlining that the foundations of international law have been undermined, McTernan drew attention to the importance of addressing crises in a humanitarian manner.
Ford also thanked the Directorate of Communications for the invitation and emphasised the importance of recognising justice and ensuring its implementation in relation to the U.S.–Israeli attacks on Iran and their regional consequences. Highlighting the need to uphold the rights of all parties, Ford stressed the importance of a commitment to diplomacy. Ford stressed that it is essential for all parties to avoid actions that could harm one another during negotiations.
Meanwhile, Le Voci emphasised that the focus should remain on communication, highlighting the importance of sincerity and accountability. Vincenzo Le Voci, Founder of the Venice Club, noted that monitoring and analysing public opinion is crucial for public communication.
Vasa also expressed his pleasure at participating in the summit. Noting that global issues influence economic patterns, Vasa stated that there is a growing concept of strategic autonomy. Vasa highlighted the importance of diversifying transit routes, emphasising that the Middle Corridor holds strategic significance.