``Emerging Strategic Areas: New Competitions, New Threats`` Webinar Series Begins

Towards the 21st century, the rapid advancement of technology as never before has, in a sense, transformed the conventional order of states and societies. Previously non-existent or inaccessible areas, either due to technological limitations or otherwise, have led to shifts in geopolitical and, consequently, geostrategic understandings, thereby giving rise to new arenas of competition. However, it is essential to acknowledge at this juncture that competition progresses as a new form of relationship among those who can access these domains, thus leading to a scenario where some states play as actors while others observe from the sidelines. This situation inherently creates an unprecedented gap in development levels among states in history.

As certain technological advancements such as space, the Arctic, and the digital realm emerge as prerequisites for influence, accessible only to a few states, new threats, with responsibilities and potential consequences belonging to the entire international community, are also gaining prominence, such as migration, climate, and food security. Although certain actors, primarily advanced states, and international corporations, may contribute to these areas of threat, their repercussions are of a nature capable of affecting even the remotest corners of the world. Consequently, efforts and initiatives directed towards mitigating these threats become imperative for shaping the future of the entire globe and hence are encompassed within the realm of emerging strategic areas.

One of the primary reasons for the heightened competition and perceived threats in emerging strategic areas stems from the incomplete establishment of international law or customs in these domains, resulting in a state of uncertainty. While this state of uncertainty presents an opportunity for advanced states to further their interests in these areas, it also leaves the question of who, how, and why should take responsibility for addressing new global threats unresolved, thereby leaving responsibility somewhat ambiguous. Additionally, if an international law or custom were to develop in these areas, it could be anticipated that it would be formulated by the participating states, thereby ensuring that these strategic areas remain under the control of the respective states. Hence, today, rising powers in the international system, like Türkiye, can establish norms and assume a more influential role in these areas to the extent that they swiftly engage in these emerging strategic domains.

Through its webinar series titled “Emerging Strategic Areas: New Competitions, New Threats”, DIPAM aims to open discussions on both the current position of these strategic areas in the international system and Türkiye’s positions in and potential contributions to these areas.

Main Theme: Emerging Strategic Areas: New Competitions, New Threats

Sub-Themes:

• Space
• Arctic
• Artificial Intelligence
• Environment/Climate
• Food and Food Supply
• Migration and Diaspora
• Non-food Supply Chain
• Energy and Energy Supply
• Global Health
• New Nears: Oceania
• New Nears: South Asia
• New Nears: Latin America