Duran Calls for Muslim Societies to Reclaim Global Narratives Amid World Order Crisis

Burhanettin Duran urged Muslim societies to control their global narratives, warning that the international order is facing a legitimacy crisis driven by conflicts, weak institutions, and disinformation. Speaking in Istanbul, he said the world is now in an “age of narratives” where perception shapes global influence, and called for Muslim societies to become active voices in setting international norms while strengthening cooperation and digital resilience.

Burhanettin Duran, Türkiye’s Head of Communications, has called on Muslim societies to take greater control over how they are represented globally, warning that the international system is undergoing what he described as a deep crisis of legitimacy. Speaking at the Muslim Impact Forum 2026 in Istanbul, he argued that the very foundations of the current global order are being weakened, including by some of the same actors who originally helped establish it.
He said the world is going through a period of major transformation that goes far beyond normal political or economic shifts. According to him, this era is marked by overlapping global crises such as wars, genocides, pandemics, and a growing loss of trust in international institutions and established global norms. He added that these developments show the world has crossed a critical threshold, yet there is no clear or shared vision guiding the future direction of the international community.
Duran noted that one of the most visible signs of this breakdown is the increasing reluctance of major global powers to take responsibility in resolving international conflicts. He also pointed out that institutions created after past global conflicts to ensure stability and prevent war are now struggling to function effectively or enforce their mandates. In his view, this weakening of global governance has created a vacuum in leadership and accountability.
He further explained that the current transformation is not limited to politics or security, but also extends deeply into communication and information. He said the world has moved beyond what is traditionally known as the “communication age” and has entered what he described as an “age of narratives,” where influence depends heavily on how events are interpreted and presented to global audiences.
In this new environment, he said, power is no longer just about military or economic strength, but also about controlling perception. Messages can now reach millions of people instantly through digital platforms, but this speed also comes with serious risks. He warned that disinformation, manipulation, and the deliberate distortion of facts have become widespread tools in shaping public opinion.
Duran stressed that modern conflicts are no longer confined to physical battlefields. Instead, they are also fought in the digital space, where information, images, and narratives can influence global understanding of events. He pointed to the rise of fake videos, edited content, and coordinated propaganda campaigns as key elements of contemporary information warfare.
He said Türkiye’s Communications Directorate is prioritising the creation of a reliable and verified information ecosystem to counter these challenges. According to him, ensuring accuracy and credibility in public communication has become essential in an era where false information can spread rapidly and influence international perceptions.
Duran also highlighted Türkiye’s role in global diplomacy, saying the country has acted as a mediator in several major conflicts, including those in Iraq, Syria, the South Caucasus, Ukraine, and Gaza. He linked this role to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s repeated message that “the world is bigger than five,” which he said reflects criticism of the unequal structure of global decision-making systems.
He further argued that Muslim societies have historically been excluded from shaping the international order, particularly during the period when many of its core institutions were established. He said this exclusion has contributed to long-standing imbalances in global representation and influence.
Referencing the works of scholar Edward Said, including Orientalism and Covering Islam, Duran said Western narratives have historically played a major role in shaping global perceptions of the Islamic world. He argued that these narratives have often been one-sided and have influenced how Muslim societies are understood internationally.
He called on Muslim societies to move away from what he described as defensive positions shaped by Western-centric perspectives and instead become active contributors in defining global norms. He said the current transitional period, while uncertain, also presents an opportunity for Muslim communities to strengthen their intellectual and cultural presence in global discourse.
Duran also drew attention to the growing influence of non-state actors such as technology companies, lobbying groups, intelligence networks, and large digital platforms in shaping global narratives. He said these actors often determine which issues receive attention and whose voices are amplified on the international stage.
Despite these concerns, he said the same digital environment also offers opportunities for Muslim societies to tell their own stories directly to global audiences. He warned that if they fail to do so, others will continue to define their identity and position in the world on their behalf.
He called for stronger cooperation between governments, academic institutions, civil society organisations, journalists, and cultural actors, stressing the importance of improving digital literacy and strengthening institutions that can counter disinformation and manipulation.
Duran concluded by expressing hope that continued dialogue and cooperation at forums like the Muslim Impact Forum would help foster unity among Muslim societies and also contribute positively to broader global understanding and stability.