New threats and Turkey’s institutional update

In the articles I write in this column from time to time, I analyze the role played by changing information and communication technologies. The development of the internet during the 90s and its role in the military field are discussed today through artificial intelligence and cloud systems. The effort to build a system integrated with new technologies every day is undoubtedly about keeping up with the conditions of the age.

In today’s world, where the concept of borders has become blurred, the issue of eliminating threats from across borders and predicting the risks encountered in this area is not limited to individuals or companies. The issue of science and technology, which is given great importance by the state and supra-state communities, also creates an environment in which those who cannot integrate with the conditions of the age are excluded from the game.

After the tension between Russia and Ukraine turned into a hot conflict, we witness the intense use of cyberspace, media and information technologies to change the course of the war. The removal of Russian banks from the SWIFT system, which provides international money transfers, the banning of Russia Today and Sputnik in the EU, and the fight against cyber warfare and disinformation allegedly implemented by Russia in the West through STRATCOM, established within NATO, especially the USA, It is very important for the perception of reality. The statements of Josep Borrell, who holds senior positions in the European Union, that “Russia does not only want to physically occupy Ukraine, but also tries to influence people’s minds with poisonous messages and fake news” were noteworthy. As a matter of fact, Russia’s production of manipulative videos on TikTok aimed at influencing the psychological dimension of the war in Ukraine is among the issues the West complains about. It is important to draw attention to the threats that Russia may pose through cyberspace and social media in the reports published by STRATCOM within NATO, on these and similar themes, and to carry out preventive work on them.

Similarly, this issue, which started with the Iran-Israel tension and continues with different dimensions in the cyberspace, shows us the fact that the war is not only on the front. When we remember the fact that Muhsin Fahrizade, an important name for Iran’s nuclear program, was killed with satellite-controlled weapons in 2020, we can be in line with the reality of how decisive the issue of technology is.

“National Cyber ​​Security and Strategy Action Plans”, which have been shared with the public for a long time, give some clues about Turkey’s sensitivity and capacity in this field. As can be clearly seen in these documents, Turkey is working to protect critical infrastructures and increase resistance to threats that may arise in this area. The continuity and reinforcement of this strategic vision, which considers cyber security as a part of national security, is very important for Turkey’s capacity to cope with threats in the medium and long term. Considering that the latest 2020-2023 document has been published, it is possible to say that the new document, revised according to new developments, will be published soon.

In addition to this strategic vision, the “General Directorate of Science and Technology Policies” recently established within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs points to Turkey’s sensitivity to integrate with new developments.

. As a matter of fact, issues such as data governance and sharing are among the most frequently mentioned and studied issues in the USA and the EU recently.

This proactive effort on cyber security and digital areas, which is arguably one of the most important parameters of sovereignty, is very important for Turkey’s future and national security.