Prof. Dr. Muhittin Ataman, Member of the Presidential Foreign Policy and Security Council, drew attention to the chaos in the global system and the increasing role of civil society organizations in his speech at the 20th Anatolian Gatherings.
Taking the stage at the 20th Anatolian Gatherings program held in Kızılcahamam, Ankara, Prof. Dr. Muhittin Ataman delivered a comprehensive presentation titled "The Crisis in the Global System: The Increasing Influence of NGOs." Describing today's world as a transition process dominated by a lack of rules and uncertainties, Ataman explained the vital roles that civil society organizations should undertake against increasing economic inequalities, technological threats, and movements targeting the structure of society in the international system.
PALESTINE IS A MAJOR TEST FOR GLOBAL ACTORS
Assessing the current situation in the world, Ataman stated that there is no longer a rules-based international order. Referring to the dimensions of global competition and the weakening of hegemonic powers, the experienced academic emphasized that we have entered a period in which the powerful determine the rules. Ataman summarized this situation with the words, "There is no system, there are no rules; in plain terms, we are going through a transition process in which the law of the jungle prevails." Stating that what is happening particularly in Palestine is a major test for global actors, Ataman said that when the interests of the dominant powers are threatened, they completely disregard international law.
AFRICA IS WHAT FEEDS EUROPE
Prof. Dr. Ataman also addressed the contemporary manifestations of economic inequalities and colonialism, explaining that Africa's resources are exploited by Western states. Giving a striking example through Niger and France, Ataman said, "They always tell us that it is as if Europe is trying to feed Africa, but the picture that is absolutely true is exactly the opposite. It is Africa that has been feeding Europe for centuries." He added that the people of the region are now aware of the injustices taking place and have become conscious of exploitation.
THREATS TARGETING HUMAN NATURE
Drawing attention to the gap filled by civil society organizations in new-generation crises that states struggle to cope with, Ataman stated that the most important function of NGOs is to set the agenda for the real problems in the world. Arguing that NGOs should lead the struggle against threats targeting human nature, such as digitalization, techno-feudalism created by artificial intelligence monopolies, and desexualization, Ataman concluded his remarks as follows: "Now, for example, there is no Turkey front; in my opinion, there is not even an Islamic front. There is now a humanity front. Because as of today, there are very serious and major problems that humanity as a whole is facing. All well-intentioned people need to step forward as representatives of the humanity front and put their hands under the stone."
