Türkiye, Singapore among countries rejecting ‘strategic resignation’ amid global disorder, says Turkish foreign minister

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has identified Türkiye and Singapore as leading examples of nations actively pursuing diplomacy and regional partnerships rather than succumbing to "strategic resignation" in the face of a chaotic global order.

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In this, Türkiye and Singapore share a common instinct.

Speaking at a lecture in Singapore, Fidan described the current era as a rare historical moment where international fault lines are shifting simultaneously, compressing decades of geopolitical turbulence into a few years. He noted that the traditional distinctions between war and diplomacy, economy and security, and domestic and foreign policy have significantly blurred due to hybrid conflicts and hyperconnectivity.

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We're witnessing what feels like decades of geopolitical turbulence compress into a few years.

Fidan criticized global institutions for their paralysis and many actors for clinging to outdated assumptions, remaining unwilling to leave their "comfort zones." He characterized this inaction not as prudence but as an "abdication of agency." The minister drew parallels between Türkiye's strategic outlook and the philosophy of Singapore's founding prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, who believed "the world doesn't owe us a living."

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Global institutions are increasingly paralyzed, and many actors continue to approach a changing world with obsolete assumptions.

Türkiye's approach to building stability in uncertain times rests on two pillars: the disciplined use of diplomacy with strategic agency, and "regional ownership." Fidan argued that regional frameworks are proving more effective than global institutions in addressing contemporary challenges, highlighting Asia's growing influence.

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Our answer rests on two pillars. The first is disciplined use of diplomacy with strategic agency.