The national trend in cybersecurity strategies: A comparative and sector based study of the United States, Russia and Türki̇ye

This thesis examines the national cybersecurity strategies of the United States, the Russian Federation, and Türkiye through a comparative approach. The aim of the thesis is to evaluate Türkiye's current position and identify areas for improvement by comparing the cybersecurity strategies, implementation mechanisms, and institutional structures of these countries. A two-phase qualitative methodology was adopted in the thesis. In the first phase, official documents and academic sources related to the cybersecurity strategies of the selected countries were systematically reviewed through document analysis and literature review. In the second phase, data on cybersecurity practices were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with executives of cybersecurity firms operating in Türkiye. The findings indicate that Türkiye has taken significant structural steps in terms of its cybersecurity strategies. Its cybersecurity strategy is dynamic, open to international cooperation, and prioritizes institutional capacity, human resource adequacy, regulatory effectiveness, and private sector integration in its implementation processes. Compared to the US's technologically driven, multi-layered approach and Russia's state-centric security model, Türkiye is striving to develop a balanced strategy that prioritizes both defense and deterrence. This thesis offers various structural and strategic recommendations to enhance Türkiye's cybersecurity policies and also aims to provide practical contributions to policymakers.