Reinforcing Strategic Autonomy through Technological Power: Türkiye’s Position in the Emerging Technopolar Order


AKILLI E., Özdemir G. S.

Insight Turkey, vol.27, no.2, pp.127-148, 2025 (ESCI, Scopus, TRDizin) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 27 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.25253/99.2025272.9
  • Journal Name: Insight Turkey
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, IBZ Online, International Bibliography of Social Sciences, ABI/INFORM, Index Islamicus, MLA - Modern Language Association Database, Political Science Complete, vLex, Worldwide Political Science Abstracts, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.127-148
  • Keywords: Strategic Autonomy, Technology, Technopolar Order, Türkiye
  • Ankara Haci Bayram Veli University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This article examines Türkiye’s strategic transformation into an emerging digital power within the context of the evolving technopolar inter national order. It argues that Türkiye’s pursuit of technological sovereignty, through investments in AI, defense innovation, digital infrastructure, and indigenous research, is not merely an economic or developmental ambi tion but a deliberate effort to enhance strategic autonomy and recalibrate its foreign policy positioning. Drawing on a theoretical framework that in tegrates offensive realism, constructivist insights, and strategic autonomy theory, the study explores how technological capacity has become central to Türkiye’s identity formation, regional influence, and global aspirations. The analysis is empirically grounded in the findings of the TechPulse Türkiye 2025 report, which captures the country’s technological advancements and their broader geopolitical implications. The article concludes that Türkiye’s case exemplifies how rising powers can transition from technology consum ers to autonomous actors shaping the rules of the emerging global order.