Energy Conflict and Cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean
Publisher: Center for Middle Eastern Strategic Studies
Author(s): Ismail Şahin
Date: 2019
Topics: Cooperation, Extractive Resources, Governance
Countries: China, Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Russian Federation, Turkey, United States
Turkey has a strategically valuable position between the energy-producing countries and energy consuming countries. From this perspective, the geography where Turkey is positioned is very precious in terms of energy geopolitics. This position offers the opportunity to safely transport the Caspian, Russian and Middle Eastern energy resources to the world markets via Turkey. For today, when energy security is carefully discussed, sustainable and stable energy supply has become important for developed and developing countries. Thus, Turkey has begun to focus on energy projects. That Turkey implements its energy projects will, on the one hand, lay the groundwork for the transformation of the country into an energy commercial center, and, on the other, contribute to the region’s energy security.
When we look at the historical process, it is seen that energy sources based on fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas have an undeniable effect on the course of international relations. Population growth and developing economies have increased the demand and dependency of countries upon energy. This increase in energy demand has naturally brought about the international competition for energy resources. The competition at the same time has directed countries towards high-scale and costly energy investments to meet their energy needs.