Third-Party Responses in Shifting Power Dynamics

Intrastate conflicts draw diverse responses from states, from providing humanitarian assistance to direct military interventions. While much attention is given to military or aid-based actions, the role of political speeches is often overlooked. This paper aims to reveal the factors that define third-party responses to humanitarian crises and how these responses tell about global power shifts by exploring Turkey’s use of rhetoric during the ongoing Gaza conflict, focusing on its interactions with global powers. By analyzing speeches from the US President and Turkish President since October 7, 2023, the research finds that Turkey’s rhetoric becomes more pressing as US support for Israel decreases. This shift shows how regional powers like Turkey step into leadership roles when global superpowers pull back. Turkey also uses its rhetoric to position itself as a moral leader and advocate for humanitarian issues. This study highlights the importance of rhetoric in shaping international relations and provides insights into how global superpower actions navigate middle powers.