Energy security in Eastern Mediterranean; Gas discoveries and implications in Israel–Cyprus-Turkey Region.

Abstract

This thesis investigates the geopolitical implications of the recent discoveries in Eastern Mediterranean. The beginning of the paper presents an analysis of the notion of energy security and provides a theoretical framework, according to which international relation theories approach energy security issues. We follow the traditional tripartite division: realism, liberalism, Marxism as this illustrates the main analytical framework in terms of international energy politics. Then, this paper focuses on gas energy and its prospects, scrutinizing the reasons why natural gas emerged as an important energy source in a carbon constrained world. In light of the new gas discoveries, we analyze the potential conflicts and opportunities for cooperation that have been aroused. Israel, Cyprus, Turkey are key countries in this thesis. The analysis of their interactions is grounded on the neo-realistic perspective, which prioritizes the role of the power and highlights insecurity as a constant feature of international system. Finally, we discuss how recent discoveries affect the political agenda of global actors, driven by economic and security reasons and add a new perspective in the geostrategic dimension of this unstable region.