Media and national security, strategic dimensions, an analytical article applied to the war between the armed forces and the rebels Rapid Support Forces ✍️ Hisham Mahmoud Suleiman
In a world where the pace of political, social and technological developments is accelerating, the media has become a major player in defining the national security characteristics of countries. They are no longer just a means of transmitting information or entertainment, but rather a means of entertainment. has become a strategic tool used to shape public opinion, build perceptions and influence internal and external stability.
In finance, my goal is to analyze the relationship between media and national security in its strategic dimensions, focusing on the challenges and opportunities in this context.
Media as a strategic factor to strengthen national security: –
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1. Raise the level of national consciousness. The media has the capacity to strengthen the sense of national belonging and loyalty by highlighting vital national issues. They can play a central role in directing citizens to understand the challenges facing the state and inspiring them to do so. participate in their resolution.
2. Crisis Management In times of crisis, such as natural disasters, security threats and wars, the media becomes an essential partner of security institutions to convey accurate information and awareness messages that maintain calm and prevent chaos.
3. Combat rumors and misleading information. The media is seen as a major tool in combating malicious propaganda campaigns aimed at destabilizing national security, whether by refuting fake news or providing reliable fact-based narratives.
The media as a potential threat to national security: –
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Despite the positive role of media, it can pose a serious threat if used irresponsibly. These main threats can be analyzed as follows:-
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1. Cause discord and destabilization. Unprofessional media can fuel internal conflict by focusing on controversial issues or presenting biased viewpoints.
2. Exploiting the media as a propaganda tool by hostile countries, especially exploiting digital media to spread their messages intended to destabilize countries by spreading rumors or appealing to the masses.
3. Cyber wars and digital media Digital media poses a new challenge to national security, as external actors can penetrate social media platforms, spread rumors and influence public opinion through advanced cyber tools .
Strategic dimensions of the relationship between the media and national security: –
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A. The political dimension:
The media is used as a diplomatic tool to influence international relations, whether by improving the country's image abroad or countering hostile propaganda.
2. The security dimension:-
The media is a partner of security services in disseminating awareness messages and presenting facts to citizens, which contributes to strengthening internal stability. On the other hand, the media can be a weapon if it falls into the hands of external forces seeking to influence the country. stability of the state.
3. The technological dimension:-
With digital transformation and the spread of social media, countries face new challenges that require innovative strategies to address media penetration and protect digital infrastructure.
4. Social dimension: –
Media is capable of promoting positive societal values that support national security, but it can lead to societal divisions if not managed responsibly.
Strategies for dealing with the media to protect national security:-
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To protect national security and strengthen the role of the media as a positive strategic factor, the following strategies can be adopted:
1. Strengthen transparency and credibility Transparency in the provision of information reduces the risks of spreading rumors and gives credibility to the State among its citizens.
2. Build effective partnerships between media and security. Establish cooperation and coordination mechanisms between media institutions and security services to ensure the provision of content that supports stability and protects national interests.
3. Develop and qualify media professionals. Provide continuing education to media workers to increase their awareness of national security issues and how to handle them professionally.
4. Adopt regulatory and monitoring policies Prepare laws that regulate the work of the media and protect freedom of expression while ensuring that the media are not used as a means of harming national security.
5. Improve cybersecurity
Create specialized units to monitor digital media and monitor activities that threaten national security
Recommendation on the role of media in Sudan in light of the ongoing war between the armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces rebels:-
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In light of the current conflict in Sudan between the armed forces and rapid support rebel forces, the media plays a central role in influencing internal and external public opinion and directing the course of events to ensure the protection of national security Sudanese and increase the chances of peace. Strategic measures must be taken to manage the media in a way that supports stability and protects the unity of the country.
Recommendations: –
1. Strengthen responsible national media by launching awareness campaigns. National media should work to unite the ranks of the Sudanese people and broadcast messages that combat rumors and warn of the dangers of divisions.
And by allocating official channels to transmit reliable information about the situation on the ground while refuting fake news that exploits the situation to fuel conflict.
2. Coordination between media and security institutions
Create a joint operations room between security services and media institutions to coordinate media messages and prevent the leak of sensitive information
Providing journalists with correct information to ensure that events are reported responsibly, without sensationalism or bias
3. Activate local community media Support local media that reach various conflict-affected areas to serve as a link between residents and decision-makers
Use local platforms to spread messages about the importance of social solidarity at this critical stage
4. Censorship of digital media and social media platforms
Develop mechanisms to monitor and neutralize inflammatory speech and misleading information disseminated on social networks
Strengthen electronic awareness campaigns to inform the public on how to verify information and avoid spreading rumors.
5. Help regional and international media present an accurate picture of the crisis by cooperating with international media to present the reality of the crisis from the Sudanese perspective and focusing on humanitarian needs and the role of the international community in support for peaceful solution efforts.
Confronting malicious propaganda that promotes the division of Sudan or distorts the image of national parties
6. Motivate the media to promote national dialogue by encouraging media institutions to organize dialogue programs bringing together various Sudanese parties to express their views, which contributes to the establishment of common understanding.
Focus on the common values that bring Sudanese together instead of exaggerating differences
Media in Sudan today is not just a means of transmitting information, but rather a tool to build or destroy the nation. Therefore, media professionals, media institutions and government agencies have a historic responsibility to use the media to unite the Sudanese people. confront foreign interference and help find a political solution that ends the conflict and restores security and stability to the country.
In conclusion:-
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Media and national security are two sides of the same coin. The media can be powerful allies of the state in strengthening its stability and security, but it can become a threat if not managed judiciously and responsibly. This strategic tool requires a global vision that takes into account political, social and security dimensions while activating close partnerships between media institutions and state agencies to achieve a delicate balance between freedom of expression and the protection of national interests .
