Ankara Institute Director Taha Özhan Discusses the Multipolar World at Valdai Forum
Ankara Institute Director Taha Özhan participated in the 22nd Annual Meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club, which began in Sochi, Russia, on September 29, 2025, bringing together the world’s leading thinkers, politicians, and experts. On the first day of the forum, Özhan made significant remarks on the panel titled, “What Is Multipolarity? Symphony, Anarchy, Balance or Continuous Conflict?”
The forum, held this year under the main theme “The Polycentric World: Instructions for Use,” is examining the operational principles and concrete reality of the concept of multipolarity, which emerged as an anti-hegemonic symbol at the end of the 20th century. The four-day meetings will cover critical topics ranging from global and regional conflicts to technological sovereignty, artificial intelligence, and democracy in the new geopolitical order defined by multiple centers of power.
The opening session featuring Taha Özhan as a speaker questioned the nature of multipolarity. The panel’s main discussion axis focused on whether the multi-centric structure emerging after the end of the unipolar world order would create a “symphony,” “anarchy,” a new “balance,” or a state of “continuous conflict.” Participants explored the principles upon which such a system could be built and whether uniform principles for all actors are possible at all.
In addition to the session attended by Taha Özhan, the Valdai Forum is hosting comprehensive discussions on the future of the international system with panels such as “Regional Conflicts: Solutions in a Multipolar World,” “Artificial Intelligence: One for All or Each to Their Own?” and “The World Minority: The Role of the West in a Multipolar World.” The representation of the Ankara Institute on such a platform is crucial for sharing analyses regarding Turkey’s and the region’s place in the new world order on an international stage.
The forum, continuing in Sochi until October 2, is expected to offer important clues about the future course of global politics.
