The Communications Directorate of Türkiye, in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye, recently convened a series of high-level discussions in Tokyo. The events, titled the STRATCOM Roundtable and Public Forum, brought together an international group of experts and officials to evaluate the intersections of strategic communication, geopolitical shifts, and emerging technologies.
During the roundtable session, participants engaged with the theme, "Changing Global Order in the Age of Emerging Technologies," while the public forum shifted focus toward "Managing Economic Security in the Age of Geopolitical Competition." Key discussions centered on the profound impact of Artificial Intelligence on global governance, the preservation of digital sovereignty, information security, and the necessity of international cooperation regarding trusted supply chains and data security.
Communications Director Burhanettin Duran addressed the assembly, noting that the current era is defined by rapid technological, social, and geopolitical transformations. Duran warned that these digital advancements introduce significant vulnerabilities, including the risks of manipulation, societal polarization, and widespread uncertainty. He characterized the current landscape as a "crisis of truth and a crisis of communication," emphasizing the urgent need for international collaboration and the establishment of shared principles.
Türkiye’s Ambassador to Tokyo, Oguzhan Ertugrul, underscored the potential for Türkiye and Japan to foster global peace, stability, and prosperity through their partnership. This sentiment was echoed by Deputy Communications Director Ferhat Pirincci, who detailed how AI is fundamentally altering international relations and public diplomacy. Pirincci further highlighted the negative influence of disinformation on economic stability, investment, and public confidence.
The events also featured insights from AK Party Deputy Chair Omer Ileri, who noted that geopolitical and technological shifts are occurring in tandem, with factors like market concentration and domestic production reshaping competition. Academic perspectives were provided by Akira Igata of the University of Tokyo, who discussed disinformation threats against critical mineral supply chains, and Professor Kazuto Suzuki, who analyzed the role of critical technologies in geo-economic competition. Kunihiko Miyake of the Canon Institute for Global Studies added that technology alone is insufficient for success, asserting that effective strategic communication necessitates a clear strategy and a strong, coherent narrative.
By hosting these annual consultations, the STRATCOM initiative continues to serve as a platform for public institutions, media, and technology sectors to share international experiences. The Tokyo forums aimed to strengthen the institutional dialogue between Türkiye and Japan, specifically addressing the risks and opportunities inherent in the age of AI.
