A geopolitical account of the Eastern Mediterranean conundrum: sovereignty, balance of power and energy security considerations

Abstract

This paper provides a geopolitical lens to explain the evolving tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. More specifically, it unpacks conceptually how sovereignty, balance of power and energy security concerns drive exploration schemes and forge pipeline politics. First, the discovery of new gas deposits in the Eastern Mediterranean have created significant Turkish challenges to Cypriot, Greek and Egyptian sovereignty. Second, Greece and Cyprus have allied with both Israel and Egypt to balance against Turkey. The designated pipeline infrastructure these countries promote serves to enhance their sovereignty and cement their alliance and joint posturing vis-à-vis Turkey. Third, Russia’s geopolitical assertiveness has led the European Commission to vigorously back gas schemes in the Eastern Mediterranean to enhance energy security, promote diversification and balance against the Russian threat. Together, these three prime objectives account for the evolving conundrum in the region.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1 In the face of Turkish resurgence, the European External Action Service has stressed the point that Greek and Cypriot borders in essence constitute European borders and hence backed actively Greek and Cypriot pledges (Tziarras and Fredriksen 2020, 25). This may pave the way for the first EU effort to support its territory and quasi-sovereignty. It may also impact the changing balance of power in the broader Eurasia region with the EU rising as a geopolitical actor and halting Turkish strategy to extend its reach across its neighbourhood. This, however, is just one possible trajectory and remains to be seen how it will unfold.

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Notes on contributors

Filippos Proedrou

Filippos Proedrou received his PhD from the Democritus University of Thrace, Greece. He is Research Fellow in the University of South Wales. His main interests include energy, Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean geopolitics. He has published two monographs with Ashgate and Palgrave, and several articles with JCMS, Alternatives and The International Spectator among others. He has also consulted the Welsh Parliament on its climate policy. Email: [email protected]