Speaking at the Union of International Democrats (UID) Central Board of Directors (CBD) Regional Presidents Strategy Workshop, held at a hotel in Istanbul, Presidency's Head of Communications Fahrettin Altun noted that this era has been referred to as "the age of crises," "the age of globalisation," and "the digital age," with the common attribute of "speed" being present in all of these designations.
Stating that they live in an era where speed is paramount across all domains, the Head of Communications Altun remarked that speed serves as both a means of power and control in this age.
Pointing out that the perceptions of time and space have also evolved in tandem with the transformation of and rapid advancements in communication technologies, the Head of Communications Altun said that the perceptions of time and space of individuals living 500 years ago were significantly different from those of today.
Head of Communications Altun pointed out that acceleration presents numerous opportunities and risks, noting that these risks constitute a significant threat and with acceleration, technology mishaps and ecological disasters become more prominent and conflicts more severe and destructive.
Stating that the globe is currently confronted with significant challenges, the Head of Communications Altun said that they live in a tough period and a challenging geography.
Underscoring that surviving as a country, a state, or a nation in such a tough period and challenging geography represents a value in itself, Head of Communications Altun said, "A steady presence is a value in itself. A much greater power is particularly growth, increased strength, enhanced prosperity, and fortifying the home front."
Head of Communications Altun stated that politics, like everything else, has changed in this period and that both national politics and foreign relations have evolved.
Head of Communications Altun remarked that the Western hegemony, which arose in the 19th century, is presently confronting significant difficulties, risks, and crises and that the West has encountered markedly different challenges since the 1990s.
Head of Communications Altun highlighted the existence of a global justice crisis, attributing its origins to Western hegemony, which has been present in the historical arena since the 19th century.
Noting that Western hegemony has engendered injustice on a global scale over the course of its 200-year history, Head of Communications Altun stated that the core of this hegemony lies in the exploitation of non-Western societies and superiority has arisen from the West's exploitation of non-Western resources and affluent individuals, which has been institutionalised in different ways.
"Türkiye embarked on a significant transformation process during the watershed moment"
Head of Communications Altun remarked the unipolar world discourse's influence diminished over time as American hegemony faced challenges.
Citing the 11 September attacks as a pivotal moment, Head of Communications Altun asserted that the region has evolved into a key hub for global politics.
Head of Communications Altun conveyed that after the major events in 2000, Türkiye embarked on a significant transformation process during the watershed moment, developing a serious capability to break the chain of dependency and establish a free, fully independent existence. Head of Communications Altun noted that amidst global destabilisation post-2000, Türkiye has evolved into an island of stability and a key player promoting stability in its region. He further stated that they have observed and continue to observe the repercussions of this transformation in global politics.
"Türkiye is calling for justice to the actors who are at the source of the global justice problem"
Stating that Türkiye's struggle for justice under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is ongoing in the global arena, Head of Communications Altun said, "Currently, Türkiye is calling for justice openly and clearly to international actors who are at the source of this global justice problem and attempting to ensure and realise this call for justice using all elements, including hard force, soft power, and strategic power."
Head of Communications Altun stated that when we look back over the last 200 years, we can see that Europe has begun to lose its importance on the global political scene and is gradually losing its impact in the global power struggle.
Head of Communications Altun remarked that, while Eurocentrism remains an ideological approach, Europe is incapable of functioning as a "strategic actor and playmaker," which is supported by numerous instances.
Head of Communications Altun said that more than 45 thousand people were killed in the genocide perpetrated by Israel in Gaza, many of them women and children, adding that they have seen that Europe, the Western world in general, could not and did not get involved in the process in any way in the face of this genocide.
Stating that Israel's atrocities are not only costly for the Middle East or the Islamic world but also for the entire world and that those with the power to prevent this should make efforts, the Head of Communications Altun said that Europe failed to be active in this context and emphasised that Syria is a great tragedy that is unfolding in front of the eyes of the entire world.
"We have seen Europe as an element that simply observes and fails to manage the process in major situations"
Head of Communications Altun said that Syria has been in a civil war for 13 years, with millions of people displaced, thousands and tens of thousands killed, and tremendous atrocities committed, and added:
"During these atrocities, we were unable to perceive Europe or European countries as real, global actors. Europe's response to the process, to the Syrian issue, has been entirely focused on handling the migrant crisis that has resulted. They said, 'The Syrian crisis should not cost us money because of the influx of migrants.' That was their only concern. In fact, in order to prevent this, unfortunately, in a way that will go down in human history as a truly black stain, atrocities were committed to prevent the journey of those innocent people fleeing persecution by getting on boats and seeking refuge in the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. Boats were skewered, and considering all this, we see Europe as an inert and passive element that simply observes and fails to manage the process in these major situations."
Emphasising Türkiye's presence as an actor in each of these processes, Head of Communications Altun continued:
"Türkiye made its presence felt in the Russia-Ukraine War. A month and a half after the conflict began, it got the two sides together in Istanbul to begin peace talks. A few months later, the Grain Initiative was signed in Istanbul, and Türkiye has maintained the most consistent and correct policy since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine War. While safeguarding Ukraine's territorial integrity, it has also maintained dialogue with Russia and has actively worked towards fostering a climate of peace in this context, continuing these efforts to this day. President Erdoğan continues to engage in intense diplomatic activities on the international stage, remaining the sole leader capable of carrying out such efforts effectively.
On the other hand, Türkiye, under the resolute leadership of President Erdoğan, stands at the forefront of the most courageous effort, witnessed by the entire world, to put an end to the oppression in Palestine and Gaza. While waging this struggle, President Erdoğan steadfastly continues these efforts despite the obstacles posed by numerous countries, including many Western nations. No matter the circumstances, this struggle must be pursued to ensure that truth and justice prevail. President Erdoğan has declared, 'Under any circumstances, we are bound by duty to pursue this struggle with the utmost determination.' We continue to carry out our efforts in line with this perspective."
Head of Communications Altun emphasised that Türkiye's stance on Syria has proven to be profoundly justified, its position remarkably dignified, and President Erdoğan’s global leadership exceptionally strong. He stated, “When we reflect on the developments to date, it is evident to all that Türkiye has approached the region with genuinely sound policies and has managed the process from a humanitarian perspective. As a result, even Western actors now seek President Erdoğan’s perspective on how to interpret and navigate the processes in Syria and listen closely to his approach regarding these developments.”
"Türkiye's game-changer role is now regarded as essential"
Noting that Türkiye's position has shifted amidst all the crises in global politics, Head of Communications Altun remarked:
"Not only has Türkiye's position shifted, but so too has its perception in Europe. And by perception, I mean the genuine perception —not the fabricated disinformation, the content propagated by those who oppose Türkiye, or the distorted perceptions and misleading narratives they try to spread. I am referring to Türkiye's real and authentic reputation. Türkiye's reputation in the Western world has genuinely increased. Its capacity to act as a game-changer has begun to be appreciated. Its recognition as a regional actor has been established, and its role in shaping global issues is now regarded as essential."
Head of Communications Altun also addressed digital media, describing the misinformation it fosters as one of the most significant challenges of politics in this era.
Head of Communications Altun noted that it is not easy to distinguish truth from falsehood, right from wrong, in this era, emphasising that disinformation has emerged as a hallmark of our time.
He added that disinformation has surpassed the flow of accurate information, making it harder to conduct politics because it creates a crisis of democracy.
Head of Communications Altun pointed out that this bombardment of disinformation also undermines democracies and infringes on personal rights.
Head of Communications Altun emphasised that the era of digital media necessitates both the management of risks and the effective utilisation of opportunities.
"I believe that Türkiye's progress in recent years has been vital"
Head of Communications Altun stressed the importance of direct and genuine communication, particularly in the context of social media. He remarked that social media must remain a unifying platform rather than a divisive one, and communication processes must proceed through authentic channels.
Head of Communications Altun concluded by reflecting on Türkiye's current standing, asserting that the country is now in a far more confident and stronger position than in previous periods of history. He said, "I believe that Türkiye's progress in recent years has been a vital factor in cultivating this confidence. President Erdoğan’s leadership has been the cornerstone of this process."
Head of Communications Altun added that Türkiye has now positioned itself with great self-assurance as a leading nation in both Europe and the Islamic world.
