The author is a lecturer at the International Relations Department of Ankara Social Sciences University in the Turkish capital
ISTANBUL
The world is no longer shaped solely by military or economic poles; technological power centers are establishing the foundations of a new order. This new global system, which Ian Bremmer calls the “techno-polar world,” points to an order in which technology companies, which hold the power of digital infrastructure and algorithms, have become actors equivalent to nation-states, and in some cases, even surpassing them in influence. Sovereignty is no longer measured solely by territory or military deterrence but by control over data, artificial intelligence (AI) systems, and digital networks.
Cyberspace, once associated solely with individual computer hacking, is now defined as the “fifth operational domain” in the strategic planning of major powers such as NATO and the US. This development elevates cyberspace beyond a mere technical issue and makes it directly related to national security and foreign policy. At the current stage, cyber threats pose a significant national security risk across a wide range of areas, including power grids, election systems, transportation networks, and banking systems. Cyberspace is transforming into an area where today's states, companies, and individuals develop and transform across a very broad spectrum, much like a living organism that evolves and adapts.
At this point, the question of Türkiye's position in the digital age becomes important. For countries like Türkiye, which are medium-sized but strategically important, determining their place in this new technology-centered world order has become a critical necessity, not only in terms of economic competition but also in terms of digital sovereignty. As AI and cyberspace evolve, cyber threats grow more complex and damaging. Cybersecurity has evolved beyond information protection to encompass the safeguarding of individuals and societal values in digital spaces. Today, it is not only a technical issue but also a political and societal one. This field, which has become a competitive arena not only for major powers but also for technology companies, is becoming even more complex with new elements such as AI, cloud systems, and smart technologies. Therefore, cybersecurity is critical not only for defense but also for the protection of digital sovereignty. In recent years, many nation states have embarked on a new process of sovereignty building, particularly through the protection of data.
Türkiye's cybersecurity journey: From strategy to resilience
Türkiye was one of the first countries to enter the field of cybersecurity, enacting its first legal regulations in the early 1990s. However, the real leap forward came in the period after 2010. With the recognition of cyber threats as a national security issue at the 2010 National Security Council meeting, serious institutional steps were taken under the leadership of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) and the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK). The establishment of the Cyber Security Council, along with structures such as the National Cyber Incident Response Centre (USOM) and the Cyber Incident Response Team (SOME), made the protection of critical infrastructure a priority state policy.
The four National Cyber Security Strategy Documents published to date reflect Türkiye's evolution in this area:
• The 2013-2014 strategy focused on raising awareness, and institutions such as USOM were established.
• The 2016-2019 strategy focused on protecting critical infrastructure and SMEs, with an emphasis on domestic technology.
• The 2020-2023 strategy sought to address new-generation threats by centering on a multi-stakeholder structure.
• The 2024-2028 strategy presented the most comprehensive approach to date, emphasizing human-centered cybersecurity, AI-based threat analysis, and digital sovereignty.
Türkiye is pursuing proactive policies in many areas, including national IP address scans, cyber exercises, under the leadership of BTK, including critical infrastructure protection and integration efforts with NATO. At the same time, the Presidency's Digital Transformation Office and the Communications Directorate are continuing their work on combating disinformation and AI compliance through new institutions.
The new stronghold of sovereignty in the digital age: Türkiye's cybersecurity initiative
The digital age has transformed the concept of sovereignty beyond borders, turning it into a power equation that encompasses not only physical but also virtual spaces. Türkiye, aware of this transformation, treats cybersecurity not only as a technical issue but also as a matter of national sovereignty and security.
Four national cybersecurity strategy documents published since 2013 and the establishment of the Cybersecurity Presidency in 2025 clearly demonstrate Türkiye's institutional commitment in this area. The newly enacted Cybersecurity Law No. 7545 has strengthened criminal penalties against cyber threats, and enhanced Türkiye's position and credibility in the international digital landscape. However, these moves are not only aimed at security but also at building digital sovereignty. With national projects such as TURKSAT 6A, digital advances in the defense industry, and AI-based cyber defense mechanisms, Türkiye aims to reduce external dependence and strengthen technological autonomy. However, this strategic progress must be balanced with transparency and the protection of fundamental rights. Ensuring that security-focused regulations are monitored within a framework that respects individual rights will make Türkiye's legitimacy and influence in the digital world permanent.
In conclusion, Türkiye's institutional and legal steps in cybersecurity are not merely a defensive reflex but an effort to consolidate its sovereignty in the digital age. This effort, when the right balances are established, can position Türkiye as a strong, respected, and confident actor in the global cybersecurity arena.
Türkiye's path in the techno-polar age: Sovereignty or dependency?
In the techno-polar world, the US-China competition is shaping technology, while the EU is trying to establish its norms in data security and ethical AI. Türkiye, on the other hand, aims to develop independent digital capacity and balance international cooperation between these two poles. At this point, strategic independence, reducing digital dependence, and national investments in next-generation technologies, such as AI, are of great importance. In this context, Türkiye's cautious stance toward foreign 5G vendors, particularly Huawei, can be interpreted through a techno-polar lens.
Türkiye has both strengths and weaknesses in its digital transformation. Weak oversight of strategic implementation, lack of coordination, and inconsistency in budget and human resources remain key challenges to be overcome. Additionally, the misuse of new technologies such as large language models (deep fakes, automated disinformation, etc.) requires Türkiye to be prepared not only technically but also ethically and socio-politically.
Conclusion: Cybersecurity is the new sovereignty
Cybersecurity policies must be addressed not merely as technical issues but within a multi-layered security framework encompassing foreign policy, democracy, data justice, and national sovereignty. Türkiye's determination and strategic vision in this area can transform it into an actor that not only defends itself but also conducts digital diplomacy and can serve as a regional example. While moving toward this goal, Türkiye also needs to develop more democratic, transparent, and human-centered policies. Türkiye must develop broader, more inclusive digital strategies that go beyond state-centered defense policies.
*Opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Anadolu's editorial policy.
