'Hybrid Threats in the Age of Uncertainty' panel held at Stratcom Summit in Istanbul

​​​​​​​By Anadolu staff

ISTANBUL (AA) – The "Hybrid Threats in the Age of Uncertainty" panel was held Friday at the Strategic Communication (Stratcom) Summit organized by the Directorate of Communications in Istanbul.

Associate professor Carlos Galan Cordero from Charles III University of Madrid; associate professor Gordan Akrap from Dr. Franjo Tuđman Croatian Military Academy; Polish Platform for Homeland Security Managing Director Rashel Talukder; Ellen Wasylina from the Trocadero Forum Institute and head of News and Media for the United Nations Refugee Agency Matthew Saltmarsh attended the panel moderated by Oguz Guner, head of Public Diplomacy Department of the Directorate of Communications.

Cordero pointed out that only one person is enough to spread disinformation and said in some countries it may be easier to spread information and in others, it may be more difficult.

Pointing out that people are greatly concerned about fake news in the world, Cordero said residents in EU countries do not believe in classical media.

Cordero pointed out that the number of people who believe in the media is decreasing day by day. "This is actually the problem. If we do not believe what our media says, then what will we believe? I think the problem starts here," he said.

- The struggle for and against knowledge

On the other hand, Akrap said most future conflicts and wars will be of a hybrid nature, and infrastructures such as energy, food and water may be targeted.

Noting that hybrid threats are developing, Akrap said the relationship between hybrid threats and strategic communication is important.

Akrap pointed out that defense systems should be developed first and said there is a need to establish trust between the public, government and state institutions.

Stating that all information must be accurate in strategic communication, Akrap stated that the human factor is important because it is the human who can be strong and weak.

Speaking briefly about the Polish Platform for Homeland Security, Talukder also 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 and ways of obtaining information and media literacy.

Talukder said there is a need for an independent structure that can confirm information and the fight against disinformation is an ongoing process and therefore hybrid interventions are required against hybrid threats.

Wasylina from the Trocadero Forum Institute pointed out that strategic communication is important in combating hybrid threats.

- Media steeped in disinformation, misinformation

Saltmarsh from the UN Refugee Agency said the media and social media are important in terms of disinformation. "In the past, news management was done very easily, press releases were printed and transmitted. These still continue, conventional media has an effect, but currently, the media is steeped in disinformation and misinformation, so to speak," said Saltmarsh.

Noting that there is serious prejudice and attacks against journalists are increasing, Saltmarsh stated that it is necessary to help convey correct information.

Saltmarsh said his organization will organize the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva next month and that the forum will also focus on hate speech and disinformation.