Communications Director Duran: Wars are no longer fought solely on the battlefield, but in people’s minds, on screens, and through perceptions

Breaking news making headlines on the global agenda: Communications Director Burhanettin Duran said in a speech at the "Muslim Impact Forum 2026," held at a private hotel in Ataköy, that he was greatly pleased to host the participants in Istanbul, one of the ancient centers of Islamic civilization. Noting that the world is currently undergoing a profound transformation, Duran explained that 20 years ago, this situation could have been viewed as a routine shift within the international system. Duran drew attention to the fact that the situation they face today is far more dire, stating, “Wars, genocides, pandemics, and the steadily eroding trust in international institutions and norms clearly indicate that a critical threshold has been crossed.

We are indeed passing through a turning point. However, the real issue is that the international community and the institutions once seen as the backbone of the global system lack a clear vision for the future. Emphasizing that there are only certain signs, Duran noted that the first sign is clear: major powers are no longer taking on major responsibilities, and superpowers are becoming increasingly reluctant to assume leadership responsibilities.

Details of the Developments

Communications Director Duran explained that the second sign is far more alarming, stating, “In many cases, the founders of the old system have themselves become its primary destroyers today. They have committed crimes against humanity or turned a blind eye to such crimes. On the other hand, international institutions established to maintain stability and resolve conflicts are becoming increasingly ineffective.

" Duran emphasized that a significant dimension of this profound transformation is taking place in the field of communication, noting that while many people have defined the era they are living in as the "Age of Communication," he believes they have now moved beyond this phase. Duran underscored that we are now in a new era that could be described as the "Age of Narrative," stating, "In this new era, we are no longer speaking of competition focused solely on communication, but rather of narrative competition shaped by how realities are framed, interpreted, and ultimately accepted by the global public.

"Today, any message can reach the entire world in a matter of seconds. The concept of the 'global village' introduced by Marshall McLuhan has now become a daily reality for all of us," he noted.

Pointing out that this speed and capacity for access also bring serious risks, Duran noted that the spread of disinformation, manipulation, and content contrary to the truth is increasing, and that these trends are blurring the lines between truth and falsehood. "In this context, as the Presidency of Communications, we view the establishment of an information ecosystem based on accurate, verified, and reliable information as one of our top priorities.

The development has sparked widespread reaction in the international community. Diplomatic circles are closely monitoring the situation.