Norm-Shaping Diplomacy: How Türkiye Engages with Global Rules and Institutions

When it comes to diplomacy, interactions among officials can often be framed as ‘superficial’, as if they are hiding the true cloak-and-dagger nature of elite meetings and closed-door negotiations. However, the more I study international relations, the more I realize that true global collaboration comes through a mutual respect for shared rules and agreements. This is the lens I have begun to implement when exploring Türkiye’s diplomacy. Instead of focusing on how to use force or manipulate economics, I want to see how we can grow nations through global institutions. This allows us to take a perspective on diplomacy that is centered upon legitimacy and long-term relationships.

In international relations, norms are mutual expectations that are held and sustained by various parties. Their value can be supported by Constructivist Theory, which argues that in international politics, relationships and shared beliefs are just as important as wealth and military resources. Institutions such as the United Nations, the OECD, and the WTO play a pivotal role in formalizing these norms, turning them into structured practices. By participating in these institutions and acting in accordance with the norms, a nation can build its trust and credibility, encouraging other nations to engage with it in activities such as trade.

Türkiye reflects this ideal through its involvement in global institutions like UN Agencies, WTO frameworks, OECD working groups, and Council of Europe Initiatives. The nation maintains a strong presence on global platforms, often voicing its perspectives and influencing agenda-setting by participating in discussions around the refinement of rules. This reduces conflict, encouraging cooperation and enhancing the legitimacy of their ‘national brand’. This is particularly important in a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, as this kind of diplomacy is particularly valuable among fragile and shifting alliances.

This approach reveals how Türkiye sees its global role. It seeks influence through participation, complementing its economic outreach, cultural initiatives, and institutional diplomacy with strong participation. As a budding international relations student, this has defined how I see power. By understanding how norms reinforce co–cooperation, I am curious about further exploring how these global rules are formed, and the influence of nations like Türkiye in shaping them.