Energy security in the black sea region: Economic interdependence or commercial and political rivalry?

Abstract

For both commercial and geopolitical reasons Russia, a key energy producer, has been determined to preserve as much control as possible over the transportation of Caspian oil and gas to the European market. However, alternative energy export routes across the Black Sea region may be used. Black Sea states, though, are also major consumers of Russian energy. Given the intricate nature of pipeline politics, neither a mercantilist nor liberal perspective (that is, Great Game or multiple pipeline scenarios) fully accounts for current realities. Relations between Black Sea states based on mutually beneficial economic ties interconnect with another set of dynamics grounded on commercial rivalry and geopolitical competition.