Energy, security and neo-realism: Turkey's energy security capability development

Energy security is an important component of power politics that explains the distribution of limited resources and the consequences of this distribution. It is necessary to strengthen this assumption and to reveal how energy changes and shapes security concepts that are based on theoretical approaches. The thesis aims to conceptualize energy security in International Relations (IR) theories, to examine energy security of selected countries through the theoretical framework and to reveal the ways to enhance Turkey's energy security. The conceptual framework of the study consists of Realism, Neo-Realism and energy security and their reciprocal relationship. In this context, the thesis aims to bring in the energy security and Turkey's energy geopolitics a theoretical perspective beyond the classical definition, and also in the light of theories of the IR. The first part of the study reflects an overview of energy and security. The second part of the study plans to adapt and examine the existing theories emprically, to measure energy security and to identify elements that will contribute to the advancement of the energy security and to test it on G20 countries. At this point, the thesis gets support from IR theories, and reaches at a framework that combines the studies of historical energy security and today's studies. In the conclusion part of second chapter of this study, it is discussed how the neo-realist approach can be handled in energy security issues, and the Energy Security Development Ability Index (ESDA) is developed. In the third chapter, the policies are discussed that will enable an increase in the ESDA level of Turkey. In the conclusion chapter, the whole thesis is discussed under determination, suggestion, and assessment titles.