Energy Security: Is It a Strategic Cause of Conflicts or Peace Among States/Actors in the Global Nexus?

Abstract

The aim of this article is to study certain aspects related to energy security, which is of great importance globally. A number of conceptual frameworks regarding the issue of energy security are examined to understand the relationships between relevant parameters and then to investigate their implications for the national security of countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region under the broader consideration of the international political economy. Megatrends are major, transformative forces that affect the global future. They have a far-reaching impact on economies, industries, societies and individuals. Today’s world is in constant motion and goods, capital and labor are moving globally at a faster pace than ever, with overall energy-related issues becoming increasingly important for societies and states. Economic power is continuing to shift eastwards and it is thus of considerable interest to study energy security in the broader area of the Eastern Mediterranean and its effect on the national security of the countries located in the region. Research needs to examine whether energy security is a threat to the national security of such countries and/or an opportunity for them. In this study, the theory of economic nationalism is employed for the analysis as it emphasizes the primary importance of the state and national security, whereas realism is essentially a political ideology and mercantilism is an economic one.