The International Strategic Communication Summit (Stratcom Summit'23), hosted by the Presidency's Directorate of Communications, kicked off with a panel discussion on the "Hybrid Threats in the Age of Uncertainty."
The panel on "Hybrid Threats in the Age of Uncertainty," which was moderated by Associate Professor Oğuz Güner, Head of the Public Diplomacy Department of the Directorate of Communications, was attended by Associate Professor Carlos Galán Cordero from the University Carlos III of Madrid, and Assistant Rector at the University of Defence and Security Dr Franjo Tudman Associate Professor Gordan Akrap, Managing Director of the Polish Platform for Homeland Security Rashel Talukder, President of the Trocadéro Forum Institute (TFI) Ellen Wasylina, and Head of News and Media of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Matthew Saltmarsh.
Associate Professor Cordero from the University Carlos III of Madrid noted that disinformation can be spread by a single individual and that dissemination can be easier or harder in different countries.
Cordero argued that the issue of fake news is a matter of severe global concern and that the citizens of European Union (EU) member states have little faith in conventional media organisations.
Pointing out that the percentage of people who trust the media is dwindling daily, Cordero said, "This is actually the problem. What will we believe if we don't trust the information in our media? The problem, in my opinion, begins here."
The struggle for and against information
Assistant Rector at the University of Defence and Security Dr Franjo Tudman, Associate Professor Gordan Akrap predicted that many future conflicts and wars will be hybrid in nature and that infrastructures such as food, energy, and water could be targeted in such scenarios. Akrap emphasised the significance of the link between hybrid threats and strategic communication, citing the constant evolution of such threats.
Akrap indicated the criticality of prioritising the development of defence systems and emphasised the building of trust among people, governments, and state institutions. Akrap, who explained that in strategic communication, all information must be precise, emphasised the significance of the human factor, noting that individuals are capable of both strengths and weaknesses.
Speaking briefly about the Polish Internal Security Platform, Talukder, Managing Director of the Polish Platform for Homeland Security, pointed out that disinformation is a global issue. Stating that there is a lot of disinformation on social media, Talukder explained the importance of education, ways of accessing information and media literacy. Talukder said that there is also a need for an independent body that can verify information, noting that combating disinformation is an ongoing process and, therefore, requires hybrid responses to hybrid threats.
Wasylina from the Trocadero Forum Institute pointed to the importance of strategic communication in combating hybrid threats.
On how to counter hybrid or asymmetric threats, Wasylina said that diplomatic, economic and technological methods have been developed and can be used by state and non-state actors.
"The media is immersed in disinformation and misinformation"
Saltmarsh, Head of News and Media of the UNHCR, stated that the media and social media are important in terms of disinformation, adding, "In the past, news management was done very easily; press releases were printed and transmitted. These are still going on; the conventional media has an effect, but right now, the media is immersed in disinformation and misinformation, so to speak."
Noting that there is serious prejudice and attacks on journalists are on the rise, Saltmarsh said that it is important to help convey accurate information.
Saltmarsh stated that they will hold the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva, Switzerland, next month and that the forum will also focus on hate speech and disinformation.
AA General Manager Karagöz evaluates the International Strategic Communication Summit
Stating that the main title of the summit, which was organised for the 3rd time this year, was "hybrid threats", General Manager of Anadolu Agency Serdar Karagöz said that these threats are directed towards solidarity, security, and stability.
Karagöz emphasised the critical nature of combating these threats, especially in the field of communication, and said, "As you know, our world is in a spiral of conflict, war and despair more than ever before. The media plays an active role here. The media does not pump hope; it pumps despair. The media is propagandising injustice at the international level."