SAM Papers The Disaster of the Century, Relief Diplomacy, and International Solidarity

This paper evaluates three distinctive yet intertwined dimensions of the aftermath of the February 2023 earthquakes: Türkiye’s humanitarian diplomacy to date, international relief diplomacy, and disaster diplomacy which can pave the way for new horizons of interrupted diplomatic relations. After exploring those dimensions, the study focuses on the relief diplomacy dimension, by employing Ilan Kelman’s concept of ‘disaster diplomacy’ to test and understand the international solidarity shown through relief diplomacy, as exhibited in the recent top official visits, provision of humanitarian assistance, and statements of other countries towards Türkiye.