New Global Order
The existing global order is increasingly under strain, as conflicts escalate across various regions. While Russia continues its military campaign against Ukraine, Israel has intensified its operations against Palestinians in Gaza, further destabilizing the Middle East.
In a recent wave of violence, Israel has conducted lethal airstrikes on Lebanon, resulting in numerous casualties. According to researcher Mustafa Oztop, “Israel’s massacres in Gaza have clearly demonstrated once again that the status quo of global governance is unsustainable.” The relentless offensive on Gaza has tragically claimed the lives of over 41,431 people, prompting international outcry.
Countries like Türkiye have observed the inaction of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council with growing frustration as they fail to halt the bloodshed.
The UN’s inability to intervene, especially after the United States vetoed a widely supported resolution aimed at recognizing Palestine, has cast doubt on its effectiveness and legitimacy. As a founding member and significant contributor to the UN’s budget, Türkiye asserts that a transformation of the international system is urgently required.
Türkiye is vocal in advocating for substantial reforms at the UN, calling for a more democratic, transparent, and inclusive global system that counteracts the dominance of a select few nations.
The nation argues that meaningful representation at the UN must be expanded to include more countries to address global issues justly. Central to this reform agenda is a push to modify the structure of the UN Security Council (UNSC).
President Erdogan has famously stated that “the world is bigger than five,” highlighting the limitations of the current veto power held by the five permanent members—the United States, United Kingdom, France, China, and Russia.
Oztop emphasizes that the existing system is heavily influenced by the interests and decisions of these five permanent members, often leading to outcomes that lack fairness and justice.
The veto power enables these nations to obstruct any resolutions, which can stall the resolution of critical global issues, particularly when their interests conflict. This paralysis has severely hampered the UN’s ability to maintain security, safeguard human rights, uphold international law, and deliver humanitarian assistance.
Ankara has urged that the veto power be abolished or significantly restricted, advocating for the inclusion of underrepresented countries in the decision-making process.
Oztop questions why countries like Türkiye, Germany, India, Japan, Brazil, or South Africa cannot hold permanent positions within the UNSC, given the significant shifts in global power dynamics since the UN’s founding 79 years ago.
Moreover, Türkiye criticizes the selective application of international law by Western powers. The country has called for a more consistent approach to enforcing international standards, pointing out the disparity in responses to global conflicts.
For instance, while Western nations swiftly condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, they have continued to support Israel, even amid overwhelming evidence of its actions in Gaza, which may constitute war crimes and genocide.
In his book, “A Fairer World Is Possible,” President Erdogan argues for a system where justice prevails, asserting that “the right is strong, rather than the strong is right.”
Nonetheless, achieving these reforms poses considerable challenges in an increasingly polarized world marked by xenophobia and discrimination. Türkiye has urged international organizations, particularly the UN, to establish mechanisms that foster dialogue and mutual understanding among nations.
Beyond the scope of UN reform, Türkiye seeks broader changes to the international order, criticizing the disproportionate advantages afforded to developed countries at the expense of developing and underdeveloped nations.
It emphasizes the necessity for reforms in global financial institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, advocating for policies that better serve the interests of these countries.
Türkiye envisions a more balanced and resilient global economic order, where nations have increased autonomy over their economic policies and reduced reliance on Western-dominated financial systems. However, experts warn that the journey toward reform is laden with obstacles.
A significant challenge is the fact that those in power within the existing system will likely resist changes that threaten their interests. Oztop notes that those seeking reform must demonstrate that alternatives to the current system are both viable and necessary, advocating for a global landscape where equity and justice prevail.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
