Erdogan’s ‘World Bigger than Five’ doctrine gains global support

Tokayev recently expressed his belief in the need for comprehensive reform of the U.N. Security Council. Speaking at a conference organized by the ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, Tokayev emphasized the importance of middle powers like Kazakhstan in promoting security, stability and sustainable development.

He noted that Kazakhstan was included for the first time in the “Middle Powers” list by the German Institute for International and Security Affairs in January 2024.

Tokayev highlighted the shifting global security environment, which presents significant opportunities and serious risks for middle powers. He pointed out that global military spending rose to $2.2 trillion last year, leading to a new arms race.

Tokayev stressed the need to rejuvenate multilateralism, starting with the reform of the United Nations, to restore the authority of international institutions.

In his address, Tokayev called for the U.N. Security Council to strengthen and clearly hear the voices of middle powers and all developing countries.

He emphasized Kazakhstan’s commitment to remaining open and connected to the world, stating: “We will never abandon our legitimate rights and interests. Neutrality should not be mistaken for a lack of stance; it is a conscious choice for diplomacy and dialogue over conflict and coercion. This choice is our strength and helps us overcome deep divisions, from regional disputes to ideological conflicts.”

First introduced in 2013, the “The World is Bigger than Five” doctrine criticizes the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council’s veto power, arguing that it renders the organization ineffective.

Erdogan reiterated this stance at the 74th United Nations General Assembly in New York, and the doctrine has since been included in academic textbooks.