The panel on "New Areas of Conflict, Crises, and Risks in the 21st Century" was held as part of the International Strategic Communication Summit (Stratcom Summit'23), which the Directorate of Communications organised in Istanbul.
Dr. Maria Saifuddin Effendi from Peace and Conflict Studies of the Pakistan National Defence University, Jovana Radosavljevic, Executive Director of the Kosovo New Social Initiative, Dr. Daria Isachenko, Türkiye/CATS Associate from the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, and Dr. Yevgeniya Gaber, Senior Fellow from the Atlantic Council Türkiye, delivered speeches at the panel moderated by Klaus Jürgens, Director of Economyfirst Limited London.
Before the panel, philosopher and author Anders Indset stated that the world was dynamic and developing compared to the past, but now there were threats to the existence of humanity during his talk themed "Leadership and Technology".
Indset pointed out that ways to improve the welfare of people with technology and reduce geopolitical tensions should be sought and that common ground should be found. Noting that the economy was like the operating system of societies, Indset stated that they could make the world a better place with ecology and economy and that there was a need to reduce consumption and create a circular economy, referring to technological developments in artificial intelligence and quantum physics.
Pointing out that bringing out the positive elements of technology could overcome all problems, Indset emphasised that positive progress was the only asset humanity possessed.
"No one in the world would kill a child"
Dr. Effendi from Pakistan National Defence University noted that the US and NATO allies had been engaged in the fight against terrorism since 2001 and shared information regarding the infrastructure expenses of these efforts.
Stating that there were serious conflicts in the Middle East and that one of the emerging challenges was the changing dynamics of conflicts and wars, Effendi said, "The conflict between Israel and Hamas appears to be one between Israel and the people of Palestine rather than between Israel and Hamas. No one in the world would kill a child. For me, children do not belong to any country, any religion or any racial group."
Effendi emphasised that every child in the world had the right to life and that international law and international humanitarian law could not prevent disproportionate war in any way and said, "The last month has not been enough to prevent the war crimes committed."
Parties must be willing and principled during the negotiations
Radosavljevic of the New Social Initiative stated that in times of crisis, the parties must be willing to reach an agreement and that if this is not achieved, various regional and international actors and organisations may step in to encourage the parties to do so.
Radosavljevic stated that the negotiating parties should have principles and it was crucial to pay attention to the opinions expressed by local actors.
Emphasising the need to pay attention to information manipulation in these processes, Radosavljevic underlined that some actors use this as a tool to pursue their political agenda.
Dr. Isachenko of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs explained that old and new threats coexist today, emphasising that international norms are formed as a result of power balances.
Pointing out that we were living in an age of uncertainty, Isachenko said, "We can say that there is an increased interest in Brazil, India, Indonesia, South America and Türkiye. They are referred to as global states. A year and a half ago, these countries were not referred to as such because a different method was followed. These states have now taken on a global scale. Considering from an international perspective, states will be decisive in determining what the future and the world order will be like."
Pointing out that global uncertainties have also changed the balance of power and that international norms were formed as a result of the balance of power, Isachenko emphasised that the coexistence of power and truth was manifested in modern conflicts.
Wars begin with disinformation and propaganda campaigns
Dr. Gaber from the Atlantic Council emphasised that there are many hybrid threats in modern times and stated that instead of quick solutions, fair solutions must be found to problems so that sustainable peace can be achieved.
Gaber indicated that wars began with massive disinformation and propaganda campaigns and said that everything could be manipulated and instrumentalised.
Gaber emphasised that each country should be aware of its weaknesses and work to strengthen them; otherwise, they may be used as an instrument by external actors.
Gaber pointed out that it is necessary not to depend on a single source and to diversify the sources, and he said that soft power and hybrid threats should not be ignored because this could lead to the use of hard power.
