The Department of International Relations at the European University of Lefke (EUL) organized a conference titled “Global Power Shifts in the 21st Century,” focusing on the ongoing transformations in the international system. The opening address was delivered by Asst. Prof. Dr. Fadıl Ersözer, a faculty member of the Department of International Relations, who highlighted debates centered on the erosion of the post–Cold War liberal international order, the rise of multipolarity, shifts in centers of power, and systemic changes in global politics.

The guest speaker of the conference, Prof. Dr. Ozan Örmeci, drew attention in his talk to Cyprus’s unique position in international politics. In his presentation, he examined the shift in the global balance of power from the West toward Asia from a historical and structural perspective. Japan’s post–World War II economic recovery, the rise of the countries known as the “Asian Tigers,” and particularly China’s rapid economic transformation since the 1980s were evaluated as key stages of this process. Örmeci emphasized that the rise of hundreds of millions of people into the middle-income group in China within a short period represents an exceptional development for the global economy.

In the continuation of his presentation, Örmeci addressed the growing importance of Asian countries in global politics such as India, with its rising economic and demographic potential, as well as Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Emphasizing demography as a key element of power, he stated that the young and rapidly growing population of the African continent will be one of the defining dynamics of the 21st century. He also noted that Africa’s stability and development are critical not only regionally but also in terms of global security, migration, and economic balances.

In the final part of the conference, economic indicators supporting global power shifts were discussed, highlighting Asia’s growing economic weight through gross domestic product and purchasing power parity data. In addition, emerging structures such as BRICS and the New Development Bank, which have developed as alternatives to Western-centered institutions, were evaluated. Örmeci stated that increasing balance and competition in the international system could limit unilateral decision-making tendencies and pave the way for a more stable global order.

The conference made a significant contribution to students’ ability to evaluate current global developments from a broader perspective. A productive academic discussion environment was created around topics such as the future of globalization, demographic transformations, development models, and the evolution of the international system. The conference concluded with a question-and-answer session that attracted strong interest from students.