Economic security in Turkey and the relationship between economic crises and security issues

It is useful to start this article with the question: What is economic security? 

Economic security is a country's ability to protect its economic interests, ensure sustainable economic development, and make economic decisions independently of external interference. This concept of security encompasses issues such as citizens' employment, the preservation of welfare levels, and the achievement of economic independence. A country with high economic security achieves sustainable growth with its own resources while being minimally affected by external economic pressures.

THE STATE OF ECONOMIC SECURITY IN TURKEY 

Turkey has been experiencing serious problems regarding economic security in recent years. Situations such as high inflation, the depreciation of the Turkish Lira, and the increase in external debt weaken Turkey's economic independence and make it fragile. As of 2024, high inflation and currency fluctuations in the country have increased the cost of living for citizens and reduced purchasing power. The failure to ensure economic security leads to rising unemployment rates, a decrease in investor confidence, and a decline in the general welfare level of the public. This seriously undermines Turkey's economic security.

THE COMPLEX RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TURKEY'S ECONOMIC AND SECURITY ISSUES

The relationship between economic security and internal security in Turkey is extremely complex and intertwined. The fact that economic crises exacerbate security issues and pave the way for terrorist incidents causes Turkey to have a more fragile structure against both internal and external threats. For Turkey to overcome these problems and ensure its economic security, it must adopt a strong economic policy, reduce its dependence on external debt, and lower inflation and unemployment rates. A Turkey that has achieved economic independence can become a country that is stronger in the field of security and has more stable social peace.

THE LINK BETWEEN ECONOMIC CRISES AND SECURITY AND TERRORISM ISSUES IN TURKEY: THE STRATEGY OF MISDIRECTION 

In Turkey, a striking relationship has long been observed between the emergence of economic crises and the increase in security and terrorism issues. In periods when economic difficulties increase and citizens' struggle for livelihood intensifies, social unrest naturally rises. Rising unemployment rates, increasing inflation, and falling purchasing power make daily life difficult for the public while also increasing the level of social discontent. These situations lead to intensified criticism of the government. However, unfortunately, when these criticisms begin to rise, security and terrorism issues brought to the agenda to distract public attention can come into play.

CHANGING THE TARGET AND DISTRACTING PUBLIC ATTENTION DURING ECONOMIC CRISIS PERIODS 

During periods of economic crisis, the social focus usually turns to livelihood problems and economic deadlocks. This causes the public to question government policies and the way the economy is managed more intensely. However, sudden security issues or terrorist incidents that occur during such periods can divert public attention away from economic problems. Security threats, terrorist attacks, or sudden rhetoric about "internal threats" can prioritize citizens' security concerns and suppress criticism regarding economic problems to some extent.

The fact that such events frequently occur during crisis periods gives rise to the perception among a segment of the public that security and terrorism events are triggered in connection with economic crises. According to this perception, during periods when social criticism is intense and political and economic pressure increases, terrorism or security issues are brought to the agenda to ensure that public attention is directed from economic hardships to security concerns.

In addition to the major economic crises experienced in 1994 and 2001, Turkey has also faced economic bottlenecks in 2018 and 2024. During these periods, the increasing economic pressure on society has reduced public trust in the state and intensified criticism of economic management. However, it has been observed that during the times these crises occurred, security threats or terrorist incidents somehow returned to the agenda. This situation is perceived by many as a "misdirection" strategy aimed at social distraction.

For example, during periods of intense economic pressure, especially through media and political statements, terrorist threats have been highlighted more, and claims that external powers are making plans against Turkey have been brought to the agenda. Thus, the public's concerns about the economy have been pushed to the background for a while, and focus has been placed on the security and terrorism threat, which is seen as a more urgent problem.

Although directing the public to security issues during periods of economic crisis is used as a policy tool in countries like Turkey, this strategy can damage social trust and stability in the long run. A strong economic structure and policies aimed at increasing the welfare level of the public can also alleviate security problems in the long run. As the public's confidence in economic security increases, efforts to change the agenda with perceptions of external threats will lose their effect.

Viewed from this perspective, it is clear that the most effective way to solve Turkey's security problems and ensure social peace is to increase economic prosperity. Increasing economic independence and the purchasing power of the public can also reduce general security problems in the country. In this way, it can be ensured that the public lives in prosperity and stability rather than in fear of security threats.