ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the digital information operations of Turkey’s ruling the authoritarian populist party (AKP) and their impact on democracy and social cohesion in Turkey by employing the concept of “Strategic Digital Information Operations” (SDIOs), focusing on ruling party-led grassroots campaigns orchestrated through various digital means. It discusses the utilisation of AK trolls, bots, and hackers in shaping narratives and influencing public opinion. Additionally, the chapter analyzes emotive political mobilisation on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Central to the discussion are concepts such as the construction of a “New Turkey,” the propagation of Erdogan’s personality cult, and the targeting of opposition as internal “others.” The chapter also scrutinises the criminalisation of Gezi protesters, along with the dehumanisation and demonisation of dissenting voices. Through these discussions, the chapter offers insights into the dynamics of online manipulation and its implications for contemporary politics.
