The perception of cyber security in international relations and the changing strategy of nation state

In our era, when knowledge is equal to power, cyber space – where information is shared with one click – has led to radical changes in the national and international perception of security. This master's thesis researches how the perception change that cyber space has created affects the national security strategies of states. After the analysis of the conceptual and theoretical frameworks, we have defined the relations among nation states and the relations between nation states and non-state actors as reactional, strategic and diplomatic. In addition, we have examined the limited attempts of international cooperation, the acts of Cyber Berkut in the Russia-Ukraine Crisis and some challenges raised by hacktivist and terror groups in cyber space. Furthermore, we compared Turkey's national cyber security strategy to the states with developed cyber capabilities, and a cyber security model for Turkey has been put forward. The changes cyber space or 'The 5th Domain' has led to in the perception of cyber security demonstrates that the fierce power struggle among nation states will continue not only in land, air, sea and space but also in cyber space. Along with this, it has been observed that states use cyber diplomacy as a powerful means of influencing the people of foreign countries, they give importance to cyber intelligence activities and they establish cyber armies. The fact that nation states give priority to developing their national software suggests that concerns about national security will surpass the efforts of international cooperation in cyber space. In order to ensure international cyber security and to cope with cyber terror, it has been concluded in the thesis that international cooperation is a must. Key words: Cyber space, national and international perception of security, national cyber security strategy, cyber diplomacy, cyber intelligence.