Energy Security and the Transformation of Regional Securitization Relations in the Eastern Mediterranean

Abstract

This article uses the theoretical framework of securitization in order to analyse the discovery of natural gas resources by a number of states in the Eastern Mediterranean region. We use the developments in bilateral relations among pairs of states in the region as empirical tests of the theories; we identify the under-exploration of energy securitization in the literature and the need for a cross-sectoral approach for the referent object of energy in the widened security agenda by analysing the effects of energy-related developments on existing securitization relations. By comparatively assessing dynamics in these bilateral relations prior to and following the discovery of significant quantities of natural gas reserves in the region, the paper analyses the introduction and effect of energy as an exogenous parameter on the securitization relations among the various states. The paper ultimately illustrates that energy as a referent object introduces a multiplier effect to the level of securitization in existing state relations both in the positive and negative directions.

Author Biographies

Contantinos Adamides (PhD, University of Birmingham) is Assistant Professor of International Relations, Department of European Studies and International Relations at the University of Nicosia (UNIC). He also serves as the Director of the Diplomatic Academy at UNIC and as a Research Fellow at the Research and Innovation Office. His research interests and most recent publications are in the areas of energy security, ethnic conflicts, visual securitization in protracted conflicts and on European foreign policy.

Odysseas Christou (PhD, The University of Texas at Austin) is Assistant Professor in Government, International Law, and International Relations, Postgraduate Programme Coordinator of the Department of Law, and Associate Faculty Member of the Department of European Studies and International Relations at the University of Nicosia. He has previously taught at the University of Texas at Austin, the Texas Lutheran University, and the University of Cyprus. He has held research affiliations with the Department of Government and the Irma Rangel Public Policy Institute of the University of Texas at Austin, CARDET and the Center for European and International Affairs of the University of Nicosia. His research interests and most recent publications are in the areas of energy security, political violence, conflict resolution, American and European foreign policy and the effects of the ongoing global economic crisis.