Conference Program

In this study, we consider Türkiye to be one of the Global South’s rising powers, employing a broader definition that includes geographical and cultural considerations in addition to economic criteria. The study examines Türkiye’s growing status as a rising power, notably since the turn of the twenty-first century, with a focus on its critical view of the US/Europe-dominated liberal international order (LIO). Türkiye, which has traditionally associated itself with the US-led international order, has emerged as a critic of that order under the Justice and Development Party rule post-2002. Türkiye employs a combination of moral superiority and responsibility to challenge LIO while also positioning itself as dünyanın vicdanı (the world’s conscience) on the international stage. It maintains a constructive yet cautious stance, advocating for a more inclusive and multipolar world order. This perspective is rooted in the country’s critique of Western interventionism and dominance, emphasizing the need for greater equity in decision-making processes.

This paper explores how Türkiye strategically utilizes economic pragmatism to leverage globalization for progress. Concurrently, historical and cultural aspects form a strong national identity, encouraging a critical attitude towards outside influences. Nonetheless, geopolitical challenges present important factors, with scepticism exacerbated by perceived Western double standards. The paper also looks at Türkiye’s proactive approach to global great power politics and challenges related to global governance. In addition to opposing the LIO, Türkiye’s claim that dünya beşten büyüktür (“the world is bigger than five”) highlights its aggressive quest for strategic autonomy.

This project analyzes the evolving geopolitical dynamics of the 21st century, focusing on Turkey and South Korea, traditionally classified as middle powers, yet demonstrating an unprecedented expansion in global influence amidst the waning hegemony of the United States and multipolarization of the global system. This shift, distinct from the binary power structures of the Cold War and hegemony of the US, provides a fertile ground for middle powers to exert increased international influence. The paper presents two illustrative case studies: the strategic expansion of Turkey’s arms exports and the South Korean foreign aid towards the Global South. Employing a multi-faceted analytical framework, the study synthesizes data from governmental archives, international trade analytics, and diplomatic communications, providing a comprehensive examination of these nations' foreign policies. I argue that Turkey and South Korea exemplify a growing trend among middle powers to leverage economic, military, and diplomatic resources in pursuit of greater geopolitical influence. By situating the policies of these countries within the broader context of shifting international power dynamics, this work aims to reveal how Turkey and South Korea are not only 'punching above their weight' but are also reshaping their roles and global statuses through sophisticated strategic maneuvers. The findings advocates for a reimagined understanding of middle powers' potential in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the future. This research not only broadens the relevant theoretical discourse but also provides practical insights for policymakers and strategists in an era marked by the trend of the decentralization of global power.

This research paper investigates the intricate positioning of Central Asia within the complex interplay between the Global North and Global South, emphasizing the region's pivotal role in shaping the International Liberal Order (ILO). Comprising Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, Central Asia occupies a strategically significant geographic location, rendering it a key player in global geopolitics. The study employs a multidimensional approach to unravel the historical, geopolitical, and diplomatic dimensions that influence Central Asia's role in the international liberal framework.

The paper then analyzes Central Asia's relations with the Global North, examining engagements with major Western powers, economic ties, and technological collaboration. Additionally, the influence of global governance institutions on Central Asian states is scrutinized, shedding light on the region's interactions with the liberal international framework.

Conversely, the study also investigates Central Asia's engagement with the Global South, including diplomatic relations with emerging economies and participation in regional and global forums such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The analysis assesses the region's alignment with Global South narratives on development and justice, offering a comprehensive understanding of its diverse international engagements.

The core attempt of the paper delves into the role of Central Asia in shaping the International Liberal Order. This section scrutinizes the region's support for liberal values and democratic principles, its commitment to economic liberalization and trade policies, and the challenges and constraints it faces in fully embracing the liberal international framework.

This research delves into the perspective of rising powers in the global South towards Liberal International Order, with a specific focus on Indonesia as a key player. During the presidency of Joko Widodo, Indonesia has actively championed the implementation of downstream policies in mineral management, triggering controversies on the international stage such as the European Union and the U.S. as the main actors in global north. By navigating through the complexities of this policy, the research sheds light on Indonesia's evolving relationship with the global South, particularly its growing alignment with major powers like China and other BRICS nation as the institutional representative of global south. This study explores Indonesia's steadfast determination to pursue this policy despite facing setbacks from the global north. Indonesia remains resolute in its commitment to the policy. Typically, when a nation encounters significant resistance or criticism from major global players, it may reconsider or modify its policies to align with international norms or expectations. The anomaly here lies in Indonesia's resilience and determination to pursue the downstream policy despite facing opposition from influential actors in the global North. The persistence of Indonesia in upholding the downstream policy amidst global North opposition raises questions on how does Indonesia's steadfast pursuit of downstream mineral policies, despite facing setbacks and criticism from the global North, reflect its perception and positioning within the Liberal International Order.