ABSTRACT
Davutoğlu explains current cycles of change as ensembles of earthquakes shaping the world. The global system was first shaken by a geopolitical earthquake following the end of the Cold War. Earthquakes have resulted in a rise of populist autocracies, exclusivity, unilateralism, and trends toward selfish pursuits of narrowly defined national interests at the expense of common values and goods. Reactions to present election cycles in the West—which generously rewarded populist, xenophobic, and neo-nationalist groups—have led to soul-searching. However, few have shown a willingness to investigate the root cause of this trend. Short-termist and reactive national, regional, and international responses fail to address broader questions of global governance and systemic order. Current systems are unable to fairly accommodate and represent people, resulting in a crisis of legitimacy that undermines functioning. The impact of the rising populist tide and systemic crises have clearly illustrated that the current international ‘order’ is in the process of delegitimation. Fresh thinking should not be held hostage and should be combined with the traditional usage of once explanatory concepts, such as right and left, which are significantly limited. Davutoğlu argues that humanity needs rule- and value-based, multilateral, consensual, fair and inclusive forms of global governance.
