Turkey in the globalizing energy trade: Implementation of social network analysis

The fact that the countries have successfully managed the energy costs became superior in the global arena has leaded energy resources to have strategic importance in the dimension of states, as energy is one of the most fundamental requirements of development and economic stability. The aforementioned strategic value caused an unusual competition in the trade of energy resources, which still consisted of fossil fuels, especially crude oil, natural gas, and coal. Therefore, beyond being just a profit-oriented trade, the trade of energy resources has become a tool that governments use as a trump card for various political purposes. Hence, the vitality of energy security has increased, and the energy trade networks have been shaped in line with the countries' own interests. These networks, formed by strong and weak relationship ties, have actors that possess various characteristics under the influence of their conditions, which leads them to take place in different roles determined by the affiliations they established. This study examines Turkey's energy trade network by applying the social network analysis method that uses empirical data and mathematical methods. In the study, the size and density of the subject network were found and compared in the global trade of energy resources. Furthermore, by examining the relational ties and revealing the centrality and intermediation degrees of the actors in the network, suggestions were made for future studies on the subject.