S. Süha Çubukçuoğlu, M.A., Seaborne Energy Advisory Group, Koç University Maritime Forum – Turkey serhat.cubukcuoglu@alumni.tufts.edu, +90 532 367 52 81 Prof. Dr. Salih Saner, Middle East Technical University, Northern Cyprus Campus, Güzelyurt, Mersin – Turkey ssaner@metu.edu.tr, +90 533 844 95 66
Issues related to maritime claims, access, and the quest for energy resources have always been considered as significant aspects of sea power, strategy and security. The Eastern Mediterranean at the turn of the 21st century is not an exception to that, particularly in the light of recent hydrocarbon discoveries in the region. This paper seeks to examine the mounting instability in the Eastern Mediterranean particularly with regards to rising energy geopolitics. By addressing a range of political, social, military, and economic insecurity issues related to off-shore hydrocarbons, this research highlights possible emergent threats, challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities for related actors.
The paper conceptually views “hydrocarbon insecurity” within the broader context of the term “security” itself. Intrinsically, the assessment recognizes the essential maritime component in international relations and analyses issues that illustrate how factors in the possession, supply, and distribution of energy resources may impact the outlook of conflict and cooperation in the region. It is argued that the intensive political engagement should be advanced among conflicting parties to build confidence and resolve fundamental differences over competing claims of maritime delimitation. This can reduce risks and vulnerabilities associated with the endeavor of accessing, exploring, and exploiting energy resources in the region. The paper ultimately seeks to discuss the instruments through which hydrocarbon security challenges can be addressed such as advancement of regional security order and of multilateral maritime security governance in the region, particularly in reference to the role of regional alliances.
