Energy market wars as a factor of military-political escalation in Eastern Mediterranean region: A Russian perspective

Abstract

Regional multipolarity has increased the complexity of geopolitical interests along with the worsening of international relations. Geopolitics is a means of not only interpreting the state of the political environment, but also in projecting the desired geo-economic end state for an actor. A much more pragmatic approach to securing perceived national interests is observed among newly emerging non-Western international actors in the Mediterranean region. This article analyses the energy factor which influences military-political situation in Eastern Mediterranean region with an emphasis upon Turkey and Russia’s sometimes cooperation and sometimes competition. The decision by Greece, Republic of Cyprus and Israel on commencement of construction of EastMed gas pipeline has been analysed. This decision was considered to be one of the key causes of the escalation in Libya. The conclusion is that Turkey strives to complicate the laying of any gas pipelines stretching from south-eastern direction to Europe bypassing its territory. The Russian escalation factor was also analysed. Finally, strategic risks for Turkey relating to its build-up of a military presence in Libya have been identified. These factors form the basis for consequences of possible escalation of conflict for the entire region.