The Ankara Center for Crisis and Policy Studies (ANKASAM) presents to your attention an interview with Dr. Afaq Ahmad from the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Humanities at Woxsen University, in which he assesses the cross-border cooperation of digital media in the Eurasian region.
1. From an International Relations perspective, how do you assess the impact of digital media on cross-border cooperation and diplomacy in the Eurasian region?
The impact of digital media on cross-border cooperation and diplomacy in the Eurasian region is significant and multifaceted. Digital media, including social media, online news sites and communication platforms, have fundamentally changed the way information is disseminated, relationships are built and diplomacy is conducted. Some of the key elements to consider when assessing this impact from an international relations perspective are the following:
Information Dissemination and Public Diplomacy: Governments, especially in the Eurasian region, use social media to promote their national interests, showcase their culture and engage in public diplomacy. This allows them to build a positive image and relationships with people and governments across borders.
Diplomacy and Crisis Management: Diplomats and government representatives can effect immediate, direct and often public change. This enables quick responses to emerging problems and conflicts.
Cybersecurity and Information Warfare: State and non-state actors can use digital platforms to conduct disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks and other malicious activities to influence international perceptions and undermine diplomatic efforts
Economic and Trade Relations: The Eurasian region is an important centre for trade and economic activity. Digital media is an important tool for promoting trade relations and investment opportunities.
2. What are the most effective contributions of digital media platforms to improving international understanding and cooperation in the Eurasian region?
Digital media platforms in the Eurasian region have made several effective contributions to improving international understanding and cooperation. These can be listed as follows:
Cultural exchange: Digital media platforms facilitate the exchange of cultural content such as music, film, literature and art, enabling people from different countries to learn about each other’s cultures. This cultural exchange promotes understanding and appreciation of different traditions and values.
Language Learning: Online language learning resources and language exchange platforms help individuals to learn foreign languages. This can be a valuable tool for intercultural communication and diplomacy. Language skills promote better mutual understanding and cooperation.
Education Opportunities: Digital media platforms make it easier for students and professionals to access educational materials and collaborate across borders. Online courses, webinars and virtual conferences facilitate the exchange of knowledge and academic collaboration.
International News and Information Sharing: Online news sites and social media platforms are important sources of international news and information. They help individuals and governments stay informed about global events. This contributes to a better understanding of international issues and promotes discussion of current challenges.
Transnational Networks: Digital media platforms help build transnational networks of civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations and activists. These networks can work together on global issues such as climate change, human rights and social justice and push for international co-operation and solutions.
Business and Trade: E-commerce and digital trading platforms play an important role in international economic and trade relations. They offer companies in the Eurasian region the opportunity to connect with international partners and promote economic cooperation and globalisation.
3. What role do digital media and information technologies play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in the Eurasian region?
The Sustainable Development Goals are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of all people everywhere. In 2015, all UN member states adopted the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, which consist of 17 targets and set out a 15-year plan. These goals are as follows:
- Goal 1: End Poverty
- Goal 2: End Hunger
- Goal 3: Health and Quality Life
- Goal 4: Qualified Education
- Goal 5: Gender Equality
- Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- Goal 7: Accessible and Clean Energy
- Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Target 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- Goal 10: Reducing Inequalities
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 12: Responsible Production and Consumption
- Goal 13: Climate Action
- Objective 14: Life in Water
- Target 15: Terrestrial Life
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- Objective 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Digital media and information technologies play a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in the Eurasian region by providing innovative solutions, fostering collaboration and improving access to key resources. Some of the ways in which these technologies contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in the region are as follows
Access to Education: Digital media and information technologies provide access to online educational resources, including e-learning platforms and virtual classrooms. This is particularly important for closing educational gaps in education, improving skills and promoting lifelong learning, which are key components of several Sustainable Development Goals, including quality education (Goal 4).
Healthcare: Telemedicine and health information systems offer the possibility of remote health counselling and monitoring, making healthcare more accessible and affordable. This supports the Sustainable Development Goals on health and well-being (Goal 3) and the reduction of inequalities (Goal 10).
Agricultural Innovation: Digital technologies, including precision agriculture and mobile applications, provide farmers with information on crop management, weather forecasts and market prices. This increases agricultural productivity, reduces food waste and contributes to the goal of zero hunger (Goal 2).
Energy Efficiency: Smart grids and energy management systems increase energy efficiency and promote the use of renewable energy sources. In this way, they contribute to the goal of affordable and clean energy (Goal 7).
Financial Inclusion: Digital financial services, such as mobile banking and digital payment platforms, promote financial inclusion by providing unbanked populations with access to banking services. This supports the eradication of poverty (Goal 1) and the reduction of inequalities (Goal 10).
E-Government and Transparency: Digital government initiatives improve governance, increase transparency and reduce corruption. E-government systems improve the delivery of public services and citizen participation. This contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal on peace, justice and strong institutions (Goal 16).
Environmental Monitoring: Satellite technology and data analytics help to monitor and manage natural resources and the environment. This supports efforts to protect life below water (Goal 14) and life on land (Goal 15).
Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth: Digital platforms support entrepreneurship and economic growth by providing opportunities for e-commerce, entrepreneurship and digital innovation. This is duly aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals on jobs and economic growth (Goal 8) and industry, innovation and infrastructure (Goal 9).
Disaster Response and Resilience: Digital tools improve disaster preparedness and response through early warning systems and during emergencies. This is in line with climate action (Goal 13) and disaster risk reduction (Goal 11).
Cross-Border Cooperation: Digital media facilitate international cooperation between governments, organisations and civil society on the Sustainable Development Goals, enabling them to share best practices, information and resources. This contributes to partnerships for the goals (Goal 17).
In sum, digital media and information technologies are powerful catalysts for sustainable development in the Eurasian region and globally. By using these tools effectively, countries in the Eurasian region can accelerate progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by addressing complex issues related to education, health, poverty, environmental sustainability and more.
4. How do you think the increasing use of social media in Eurasia has strengthened relationships between individuals and communities?
The increasing use of social media in Eurasia has strengthened relationships between individuals and communities in many ways:
Connectivity and Communication: Social media platforms facilitate communication and connection between individuals and communities, even over long distances. People can easily stay in touch with friends, family and acquaintances. In this way, they can strengthen the feeling of connectedness.
Support Networks: Social media enables the creation of online support groups and communities for a variety of causes and interests, including health, hobbies and social issues. These platforms bring together people with shared concerns or passions and provide emotional support and shared experiences.
Public Debate and Activism: Social media has become a platform for discussing important social and political issues It enables individuals to participate in public debates, share their views and mobilise for social and political causes. Thus, it creates a sense of community among like-minded individuals.
Community Building: Social media enables the creation of online communities around common interests, hobbies or goals. These communities are particularly important for individuals who do not have access to physical groups with similar interests.
Online Events and Meetings: Social media platforms are used to organise and promote events, gatherings and meetings. These events bring together people with common interests and strengthen the sense of belonging. Although social media has many positive aspects in strengthening relationships between individuals and communities, it is also important to recognise that cyberbullying can be detrimental to social cohesion. Therefore, it is crucial to promote responsible and ethical use of social media and digital literacy to ensure its positive impact on community ties in Eurasia and elsewhere.
Dr Afaq Ahmad
Dr Afaq Ahmad is a renowned researcher and lecturer in the field of communication. He is currently a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Humanities, Woxsen University, Hyderabad, India. His main area of expertise is teaching journalism and communication and he has experience in supervising many PhD students in various academic institutions.
Dr Ahmad’s research expertise covers a wide range of topics including media convergence, digital media, the role of media in human rights, international and intercultural communication and broadcast media. His expertise includes academic supervision, teaching, curriculum evaluation, manuscripts, research proposals and PhD thesis supervision.
