This article focuses on the intricate dynamics between seismic events and diplomatic relations, challenging a more conventional perspective on disaster diplomacy. Through a comparative analysis of the earthquakes in 1999 and 2023 involving Turkey, Greece, and Syria, the study’s findings unveil that seismic disasters result not in a transformative catalyst but as integral components reinforcing pre-existing foreign policy strategies. The analysis of the disaster management and the diplomatic interplay, elucidated through the case studies, enriches our understanding of the multifaceted nature of global interactions during and post-catastrophe. Finally, the study initiates an exploration of disaster empathy versus disaster diplomacy suggesting a potential framework for further investigation, also in light of even more occurring catastrophes.
