I am honored to announce that I have been invited to deliver a guest lecture for the NATO Centre of Excellence Defence Against Terrorism (COE-DAT). This upcoming online course, titled “Terrorism and Media,” will take place from June 15-19, 2026, hosted by the Centre in Ankara, Türkiye.
The Evolving Threat: Media as a Battlefield
In 2026, the intersection of media and security is a primary frontline in global defense. Terrorist organizations no longer just use established media for awareness; they exploit digital ecosystems to radicalize, recruit, and incite violence. My session, “Building Anti-terrorism Media Partnership,” addresses the urgent need for a coordinated response to these evolving tactics.
Modern counter-terrorism requires more than just defensive measures; it requires Strategic Communication. This involves:
- Counter-Narratives: Developing compelling, alternative messages that challenge and undermine extremist ideologies.
- Disruption of Networks: Collaborating with digital platforms to identify and remove harmful content before it gains traction.
- Digital Literacy: Empowering the public to critically assess information and resist radicalization attempts online.
Why Public-Private Partnerships Matter
A core theme of my lecture will be the necessity of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). Because private sector entities own and operate the vast majority of digital infrastructure, they are the primary source of vulnerability data and the first line of defense against media exploitation.
Effective anti-terrorism media partnerships must involve:
- Information Sharing: Establishing trusted environments for real-time daily coordination between law enforcement and tech companies.
- Shared Commitment: A unified approach among NATO allies and global partners to detect and preempt terrorist plans.
- Technological Innovation: Leveraging AI-driven tools to detect extremist content at scale and disrupt recruitment networks.
About NATO COE-DAT
The COE-DAT is a premier NATO-accredited facility that recently received unconditional Institutional Accreditation for Quality Assurance. It serves as a global hub for expertise, conveying critical lessons learned to NATO, Partnership for Peace (PfP), and international organizations like the United Nations and European Union.
This course is specifically designed for high-level officers (OF-2 and above) and civilian experts in domains such as STRATCOM, Psychological Operations (PSYOPS), and Information Operations (INFO OPS).
It is a privilege to contribute once again to NATO’s mission of transformation. By fostering academic thought and providing current, relevant insights, we can help equip global security leaders with the tools needed to build a more resilient future.
Erdal Ozkaya to Lecture at NATO COE-DAT: Building Anti-Terrorism Media Partnerships
NATO’s Mission: Deterrence and Transformation in 2026
To understand the importance of this training, one must look at NATO’s broader mission. In 2026, NATO continues to operate under three core tasks: Deterrence and Defence, Crisis Prevention and Management, and Cooperative Security.
The Alliance is currently undergoing a massive Digital Transformation, integrating AI-enabled warfare and data-driven decision-making into its regional defense plans. Initiatives like the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative (EFDI) and multinational exercises like Sword 26 demonstrate NATO’s commitment to staying ahead of asymmetric threats, including terrorism.
The Role of the Centre of Excellence (COE-DAT)
The COE-DAT is a cornerstone of this transformation. Recently awarded unconditional NATO Institutional Accreditation for Quality Assurance, it serves as a premier training facility for leaders and specialists from member and partner nations.
Centres of Excellence are not part of the standard NATO command structure; instead, they act as independent “think-tanks” that provide:
- Subject Matter Expertise: Offering in-depth knowledge that avoids the duplication of existing NATO assets.
- Doctrine Development: Helping to draft and refine the standards for how the Alliance responds to emerging threats.
- Interoperability: Ensuring that diverse nations can work together seamlessly during a crisis.
- Lessons Learned: Analyzing past events to improve future response strategies.
The Criticality of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
A central theme of my lecture is that the public sector cannot win this fight alone. Because the private sector (tech giants, media platforms, and telecommunications providers) owns the vast majority of the world’s digital infrastructure, they are the first line of defense against media exploitation.
Effective counter-terrorism in the media requires:
- Real-Time Information Sharing: Establishing trusted channels between intelligence agencies and private platforms to identify and disrupt extremist content before it goes viral.
- Technological Innovation: Leveraging AI-driven tools for the detection of inauthentic social media engagement and state-sponsored influence operations.
- Collective Defense: Ensuring that partners across the globe, from the UN to the EU, leverage their full potential through unified action.
Training the Next Generation of Leaders
The “Terrorism and Media” course is designed for high-level officers (OF-2 and above) and civilian equivalents in fields such as STRATCOM, Psychological Operations (PSYOPS), and Information Operations (INFO OPS). By bringing together academics, law enforcement, and military experts, COE-DAT fosters an environment of academic thought and practical application.
As a frequent keynote speaker and cybersecurity author, I am humbled to contribute once again to this mission. Sharing knowledge at this level is essential to ensuring that even in times of technological rupture, our strategy remains rooted in responsibility and human values.
For more information on the work being done to defend against modern terrorism, visit the official COE-DAT website