Erdogan warns of political and military ‘explosions’ if global issues remain unresolved

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for global decision-making mechanisms to adapt to changing world conditions, warning that failure to do so could lead to political and military conflicts.

Speaking at the Traditional Ambassadors’ Iftar at the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) headquarters, Erdogan emphasized the need for fair representation of Muslim nations in international decision-making bodies.

“The time has long passed for global decision-making mechanisms to adapt to the changing world. At the very least, Muslims, who make up one-quarter of the world’s population, must be fairly represented in decision-making processes,” Erdogan said.

Call for reform in the UN Security Council

Erdogan reiterated his longstanding call for reform within the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), stating that the current system is inadequate for addressing today’s global challenges.

“The presence of an Islamic country with veto power in the UN Security Council is no longer just a need—it has become a necessity,” he said.

He criticized the five permanent members of the UNSC for consolidating power rather than ensuring a fair distribution of global influence. “These nations prioritize power accumulation over justice, trying to suppress issues instead of resolving them. Resisting this wave of change will only exacerbate our problems in both scale and number.”

Global instability and rising extremism

Erdogan linked ongoing political and economic instability to deep-rooted systemic failures. He noted that issues such as Islamophobia, xenophobia, trade wars, and territorial conflicts are symptoms of a broader global governance crisis.

“The erosion of trust in global security frameworks has led to increased anxiety, the spread of individualistic survival strategies, and the dominance of ‘law of the jungle’ dynamics,” Erdogan warned.

He highlighted that the world is becoming increasingly unjust, with growing racial discrimination, terrorism, and the rise of far-right extremist parties. “If these developments go unchecked, they will lead to further political and military explosions,” he cautioned.

Türkiye’s role in regional and global stability

President Erdogan also reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to regional stability and international peace efforts.

He underscored the country’s humanitarian initiatives and diplomatic engagements in conflict zones.

“We are one of the leading nations providing humanitarian aid to Gaza, having delivered nearly 100,000 tons of assistance with the support of friendly nations,” Erdogan said. “Israel will not achieve peace by generating instability in the region. A sovereign and geographically contiguous Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders is essential for lasting security.”

He also addressed tensions in Syria, vowing that Türkiye would not allow external actors to exploit ethnic and religious divisions for geopolitical gains.

“Those who think they can benefit from Syria’s instability by inciting sectarian and ethnic conflicts should know that their plans will fail,” Erdogan declared. “Türkiye will not permit the redrawing of regional maps to serve foreign interests.”

International response and the path forward

Erdogan acknowledged that Türkiye’s calls for systemic reform have faced resistance but reaffirmed his country’s determination to advocate for global justice.

“We know that some of our friends are uncomfortable with our open and honest criticisms,” he said. “However, as a nation that believes in the principle of ‘a true friend speaks the hard truth,’ we will not shy away from addressing these global issues.”

Erdogan concluded by emphasizing Türkiye’s strategic role in addressing energy security, counterterrorism, and global food security. “With a diplomatic presence expanded from 163 to 263 missions, as well as active institutions like TIKA, the Maarif Foundation, Yunus Emre Institute, AFAD, and the Turkish Red Crescent, Türkiye will continue to stand by those in need, regardless of their identity,” he said.