Question of hydrocarbon resources management in post 2003 Iraq and its impact on relations with Turkey

This dissertation examines the roots of the conflict between Iraqi Federal Government and Regional Administration over the management of the hydrocarbon resources based on the federal constitution enacted in 2005, after the 2003 invasion led by the United States, focusing on the grounds of the disagreement and how the deepening of this disagreement has entangled Turkey into the conflict. When investigating, the study takes the historical impact of ethnic and sectarian conflict between the parties on the disagreement over the allocation of hydrocarbon resources. Given the importance of Iraq in international energy security, the role of great powers in foundation and reconstruction of Iraq is also examined. Thus the history of the country from its establishment until 2016 is analyzed in relation to hydrocarbon. The study shows that both the efficient usage of Iraq's hydrocarbons and the country's contribution to regional security and stability requires the parties' agreement in the management of hydrocarbon resources based on the constitutional articles such as 111 and 112. These provisions entitle Iraqi people as the sole proprietor of the resources and stipulates the parties the responsibility to cooperate for its management. As such the study, considering Iraq's importance in regional and international energy policies, both aims to contribute on the energy policy literature and Turkey's politics.