Türkiye hosts STRATCOM summits in Tokyo on AI, economic security

Türkiye's Communications Directorate on Saturday convened twin strategic communication summits in Tokyo, bringing together Ankara's senior officials and Japanese experts to examine how emerging technologies and intensifying geopolitical rivalry are reshaping global governance, economic security frameworks, and the battle against disinformation.

Global order and emerging technologies

The STRATCOM Roundtable, organized in cooperation with Türkiye's Embassy in Tokyo, focused on the theme "Changing Global Order in the Age of Emerging Technologies." Participants evaluated the effects of artificial intelligence and digital innovations on international power balances, technological competition, and digital sovereignty, according to a statement from the Directorate. Communications Director Burhanettin Duran addressed the gathering via video message, stating that the world is undergoing profound geopolitical and social transformation.

He noted that alongside traditional measures of national power, the ability to build narratives and shape perceptions is becoming increasingly critical. Duran warned that digital technologies are creating new vulnerabilities alongside their benefits. "Today, we are facing a situation that can be described as both a crisis of truth and a crisis of communication."

Crisis of truth and communication

He added that these crises operate through perceptions, emotions, fears and expectations. "They can affect societies before governments have the opportunity to fully understand what is happening." Emphasizing the transnational nature of these challenges, Duran stated: "We need greater international cooperation, the sharing of experience and the development of common principles," stressing that no single country or institution can address these issues alone.

Economic security and geopolitical competition

The STRATCOM Public Forum, titled "Managing Economic Security in the Age of Geopolitical Competition," examined how geopolitical tensions affect critical technologies, supply chains, and data security. Deputy Communications Director Ferhat Pirincci said emerging technologies are transforming not only economic fields but also international relations and public diplomacy, noting that disinformation directly impacts economic stability and public confidence. AK Party Deputy Chair Omer Ileri highlighted simultaneous transformations in geopolitical and technopolitical spheres, pointing to the growing emphasis on domestic production.

Professor Kazuto Suzuki of the University of Tokyo discussed the role of rare earth elements and strategic minerals in geo-economic competition, noting that diversifying critical supply chains is becoming increasingly important. Professor Akira Igata focused on the relationship between economic security and information manipulation targeting companies in critical mineral sectors. Kunihiko Miyake of the Canon Institute for Global Studies stressed that effective strategic communication requires clear strategy and narrative alignment rather than relying solely on technological tools.

Türkiye-Japan cooperation

Türkiye's Ambassador to Tokyo Oguzhan Ertugrul emphasized that global challenges require stronger cooperation based on justice and multilateralism. He noted that Ankara and Tokyo, located at opposite ends of Asia with complementary strategic capacities, can play constructive roles in supporting global peace and prosperity. The events served to strengthen institutional dialogue between the two countries in strategic communication and crisis management, officials said.

Pirincci noted that joint initiatives between Ankara and Tokyo will contribute to regional stability. The STRATCOM Summit series continues to serve as a global consultation platform, bringing together public institutions, international organizations, academia and the technology sector to discuss strategic communication from different perspectives. Participants exchanged views on protecting trusted information ecosystems and ensuring accurate information flows during periods of economic crisis.