Energy security paradigm, structure of geopolitics and international relations theory: from global south perspectives

Abstract

Over the years the notion of energy security is gaining wider acceptance not only in day to day state practices but also in the epistemological framework of geopolitics as well as International Relations (IR). One may underline here the fact that energy is not only shaping inter-state relations but also plays a role in generating ‘norms’ which in turn governs the practices of international relations. Some of the major approaches of IR discipline like realism, neo-realism, constructivism and neo-liberal institutionalism can be employed to study the epistemology of energy security. The realism and neorealism perspectives can also be correlated with classical geopolitics to underline the fact that ‘accumulation of resources’ and controlling ‘strategic landmasses’ are some of the primary drivers of global politics. Similarly social constructivism and critical geopolitics can also help in mapping accentuation of ‘societal conflict’ as well as ‘resources distribution’ which is taking place mostly in the so-called ‘Southern part of the world’. The present paper is such an attempt to deconstruct traditional notion of energy security and to study them in the ‘disciplinary perspectives’ of IR and Global South as highlighted above.