Introduction

In a world rife with conflict and rapidly shifting geopolitical dynamics, diplomacy is no longer merely a soft power tool—it has become the frontline defense of a nation’s sovereignty and international standing, particularly for countries emerging from war and internal divisions.

This is precisely what makes the slogan of the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, “Advancing Diplomacy in a Divided World”, deeply relevant to the global moment and especially resonant for developing states recovering from conflict.

It reflects the pressing need for a rational and responsible foreign policy approach.

I. New Syria Faces the Test of Diplomacy

President Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s participation in this international forum marks a pivotal political moment in the history of the modern Syrian Arab Republic.

It symbolizes a strategic shift in the country’s official discourse—from confrontation to cooperation, from alignment to conscious openness.

Through this engagement, the new Syria has demonstrated an understanding that international recognition is not granted solely through military victory, but rather earned through political legitimacy, diplomatic openness, and the professionalism of international engagement.

This was embodied in President Al-Sharaa’s composed speech emphasizing respect for national sovereignty and dialogue as the core solution to crises.

II. Vision and Perspective

We regard diplomacy not as a mere ceremonial function, but as a strategic pillar in the post-war phase for several reasons:

• Restoring international legitimacy, portraying Syria as a responsible state rather than just a battlefield.
   
• Attracting investment and supporting reconstruction through trusted and cooperative relationships.
   
• Shielding national sovereignty from external pressure by diversifying international partnerships.
   
• Presenting a new Syrian model—one that avoids bloc politics and instead builds balanced relationships based on mutual respect and shared interest.

Accordingly, the Forum represents a true test for emerging Syrian diplomacy, one that should be followed by sustained, balanced, and active political presence in all regional and international forums.

III. The Prominent Role of Foreign Minister Dr. Asaad Al-Shaibani

Foreign Minister Dr. Asaad Al-Shaibani has emerged as a key figure in this diplomatic transformation. 
He has led with a model of active and pragmatic diplomacy, reshaping Syria’s foreign relations through initiative rather than mere reaction.

His key contributions include:

• Rebuilding regional trust—especially through calculated openness toward Turkey and key Arab states.
   
• Reinvigorating Syria’s role in international organizations through qualified delegations and composed rhetoric.
   
• Strengthening ties with the Syrian diaspora to create a supplementary diplomatic force alongside official channels.

Under Al-Shaibani’s leadership, the Syrian Foreign Ministry now stands as a strategic arm of the state—rebalancing relations and laying the foundations for partnerships based on interests, not historical or ideological legacies.

IV. International Models of Post-War Diplomacy

1. Germany after World War II

Despite total devastation, Germany re-entered the global stage through a new diplomatic doctrine centered on acknowledgment of wrongdoing and reconciliation, forming strong ties with France, Western Europe, and the U.S.—eventually becoming the driving force of the European Union.

2. Rwanda after the 1994 Genocide

Rwanda pursued diplomacy grounded in reconciliation and shared economic goals.
It neutralized regional tensions, strengthened African and global partnerships, and rebuilt a thriving post-conflict economy.

3. Bosnia and Herzegovina after the Dayton Accords

While benefiting from international support, Bosnia’s real strength was its ability to present a unified diplomatic stance abroad—despite internal divisions—preserving territorial integrity and resisting regional interference.

4. South Africa after Apartheid

Nelson Mandela’s foreign policy was based on “closing the chapter of the past without forgetting it.
 His inclusive approach elevated South Africa’s international status while maintaining its moral narrative.

V. Realistic Diplomacy as a Tool for Containment and Deterrence

Amid increasing regional tensions, the Israeli threat—whether in the form of potential warfare or ongoing military incursions—remains a major security and political concern for Syria’s transitional state.

In this context, realistic diplomacy must be seen not as a luxury but as a strategic shield—countering regional adventures and filling vacuums that foreign powers might exploit to impose their agendas.

A balanced political discourse, robust regional alliances, and a strong Syrian presence in international forums all contribute to:

• Insulating Syria’s national decision-making from isolation.
   
• Complicating the strategic calculations of any actor aiming to destabilize Syria, whether through war or covert operations.

Israel, which has built a significant part of its strategy on Syria’s political fragmentation and absence of central authority, will now face a more complex equation—one where a legitimate government builds alliances and garners international rejection of any breach of sovereignty.

In this light, deterrence is not solely military—it is also diplomatic, especially when Syria transforms from a passive stage to an active force in shaping regional balance.

Conclusion

President Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s participation in the Forum was not just a diplomatic event—it was a political declaration of Syria’s return to the international stage through diplomacy.

This calls for:

• Institutionalizing a political body to rebuild Syria’s foreign discourse around national interest.
   
• Involving academic and diplomatic elites in shaping the national stance.
   
• Transforming every international forum into a platform to promote Syria’s new narrative—one based on reconciliation, sovereignty, and openness.

In today’s divided world, we believe conscious diplomacy is the most effective path to protect national unity, establish an independent regional role, and uphold a unified Syrian identity that embraces all its people.