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

Year 2018, Volume: 3 Issue: 6, 26 - 39, 08.08.2018

Suha Cubukcuoglu , Salih Saner

Abstract

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 21^st 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.

Keywords

Mediterranean, Security, Energy, Conflict, Delimitation, Hydrocarbon, EEZ, UNCLOS

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