The International Strategic Communications Summit — Stratcom Summit 2026 — has officially started in Istanbul. Organized by the Communications Directorate of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, this year’s event is held under the theme: “Destabilization of the international system: crises, narratives, and the search for order.”

Key statements:

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (President of Türkiye):

In his video message, the president stated that the international system formed after World War II is experiencing a deep crisis of legitimacy. According to him, global institutions and norms are rapidly losing effectiveness. Erdoğan emphasized that amid escalating conflicts and humanitarian tragedies—particularly in Gaza—restoring peace, stability, and justice has become a top priority for the global community.

Cevdet Yılmaz (Vice President of Türkiye):

Speaking at the opening session, he highlighted the strategic role of communications in ensuring domestic security. He noted that in the context of interconnected global crises, high-quality communication strengthens societal resilience by ensuring access to reliable information and increasing resistance to disinformation.

Prf.Burhanettin Duran (Head of the Communications Directorate):

He stated that the summit will address both technical aspects of communications and the analysis of narratives that deepen global crises. Referring to a famous phrase by Immanuel Wallerstein, he said: “We have reached the end of the world as we know it.” What once seemed like academic forecasts has now become reality: the old order has collapsed, while the contours of a new era remain uncertain.

Main discussion topics:

• Crisis of institutions: declining trust in international organizations.

• Information wars: combating disinformation as a component of national security.

• Search for a new order: shaping new mechanisms for global stability.