Energy Politics and Strategic Interests in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

Abstract

The recent discovery of substantial natural gas reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean has established a new political and economic landscape, fostering the potential formation of both regional and global alliances. These discoveries have the capacity to significantly influence regional politics and the global economy. However, existing and historical disputes, political instability, the contentious issue of how natural gas resources will be shared among nations, and the competitive dynamics within the global natural gas market are all factors that currently hinder the full-scale exploration and production of these resources in the Eastern Mediterranean. Despite these challenges, the ongoing gas explorations over the past decade suggest that the region is poised to become a crucial arena for an increasing number of regional and global actors. The pace of research, development, and exportation of these gas reserves, as well as the strategic decisions made by countries within the region, will be heavily influenced by their national energy policies and broader regional political considerations. This dynamic interplay of interests and actions underscores the complexity of the energy politics in the Eastern Mediterranean. This study aims to investigate the leading energy players in the Eastern Mediterranean, examining their conflicts and the strategic goals of global powers regarding the region's energy resources. By analyzing these factors, the study provides insights into the future of energy geopolitics in the Eastern Mediterranean, highlighting how national and international strategies might evolve in response to these new gas discoveries. The findings underscore the importance of understanding the interplay between energy resources and geopolitical strategies in a region that is likely to become a focal point of global energy politics.