Aspects of Hydrocarbon Insecurity in the Eastern Mediterranean: Maritime Claims, Access, and Quest for Energy Resources

Conclusion

In the unpredictable new world order of kaleidoscopically shifting rivalries, security and strategic interests are at the forefront. Hydrocarbon insecurity widens existing stand-offs and undermines efforts to foster regional cooperation, for which regrettably there is no short-term, quick-fix solution in sight. International institutions should evolve to organize around a more inclusive structure in order to mitigate negative impacts of asymmetric power relations, help welfare growth in disadvantaged nations, and more effectively deal with contemporary conflicts. Strong, decisive measures by the UN and NATO may re-establish lost trust in international organizations. In the long run, efforts to raise public awareness on environmental protection, multilateral trade, and regional cooperation may re-establish a culture of tolerance and respect. It is through economic interdependence and accommodation of different traditions, values, and contributions that peaceful co-existence may be possible. Therefore, it is important to coordinate common policies, duties, and responsibilities as well as claim sovereign rights on particular areas on high seas. The key guiding principle to resolve maritime disputes should be to avoid brinkmanship during the process and to draw conflicting parties into a multilateral consensus under the principle of friendly co-existence. All parties should keep the channels open for discussion to overcome frictions on long-entrenched opposing views on sea rights. This would ensure maximum utilisation of opportunities for offshore energy exploitation in a limited time window by picking the most commercially viable option to reach consumer markets.

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Mr. Ergün Olgun and Admiral (Ret.) Cem Gürdeniz for their useful and constructive comments on the manuscript, and Dr. Emine Eminel Sülün for her contributions to the initial concept and abstract.

Endnotes

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