Erdogan’s Silent Message to Macron: A Dominance Display at the Tirana Summit

Overview of the Meeting

French President Emmanuel Macron and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met on May 17, 2025, during a summit in Tirana, Albania. The encounter was marked by an unexpected display of power dynamics when a seemingly simple gesture of greeting turned into a subtle but significant diplomatic maneuver.

The Handshake Incident

Upon their initial handshake, Macron attempted to assert his dominance by placing his hand over Erdogan’s-a customary gesture intended to signify control and hierarchy among global leaders. However, in a twist during this handshake, Erdogan grabbed Macron’s finger and held it longer than typical. This action was seen as a deliberate move to upend Macron’s display of confidence, ultimately signaling that the situation was not under Macron’s control.

Diplomatic Implications

Experts in body language suggest that this incident exemplified a “tactical inversion.” Erdogan’s response served not only to neutralize Macron’s attempt at dominance but also to convey a powerful message in a context steeped in diplomacy and symbolism. Such subtle gestures, often as impactful as a formal speech, provided Erdogan with an opportunity to assert his position without needing to vostart any words.

Conclusion

The interactions between Macron and Erdogan at the Tirana summit illustrate the complexities of diplomatic engagements, where even the simplest gestures can carry significant ramifications. In this encounter, Erdogan’s unexpected grip not only countered Macron’s efforts but also shifted the narrative in Turkish favor, highlighting the intricacies of power play in international relations