The Great Game in the Levant: Energy Geopolitics in the Eastern Mediterranean

Abstract

This study explores the historical evolution of the Levant region from the trade system to hydrocar- bon geopolitics by using a longue dureé approach, one which evaluates the region’s present situation in light of developments in oil and natural gas exploration, production, and export. The concepts of great power politics and balance of power frame the investigation of permanent and changing dimensions of hydrocarbon geopolitics.

Keywords

Levant, Trade System, Historical Development, Energy Geopolitics, Turkey

Citation

Ediger, Volkan Ş.; Devlen, Balkan; Bingöl Mcdonald, Deniz, “The Great Game in the Levant: Energy Geopolitics in the Eastern Mediterranean”, International Relations, Volume 9, Issue 33 (Spring 2012), pp. 73-92.

Affiliations

• Volkan Ş. EDİGER, Prof. Dr., Kadir Has University, Head of Energy Systems Engineering Department
• Balkan DEVLEN, Assistant Prof. Dr., Izmir University of Economics, Department of International Relations and European Union
• Deniz BİNGÖL MCDONALD, Dr., Kadir Has University, Strategy Development and Research Specialist