The energy politics of the Caspian region

It has been argued that the Caspian Region becomes a power centre because of its oil and natural gas resources. The countries which were controlled by the Soviet Union such as Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan (AKT) were not self-sufficient and they were dependent each other. They have made some reforms in order to adapt their economies to free market economy since they gained their sovereignty.This dissertation argues that AKT will become power centre as a result of oil and natural gas reserve. In addition, instability of Middle East, investments which come from Western countries because European governments want to break Russia?s monopoly help the Caspian Sea area to increase its importance.To be understood energy regime of the Caspian Region it will be analyzed how they can transport and market their hydrocarbons in addition their energy potency and effects on world politics. After 9/11 terrorist attack, Middle East and Central Asia have been given attention. Inherently, the Caspian Sea has become significant region due to its location.In this study energy resources, which are one of the most important element of foreign policy of the Caspian Region states, has been examined theoretically within the framework of ?realist perspective?. AKT is in the centre of the region as productive states for determining the energy policy of the Caspian Region. In addition USA, the EU, Russia and China try to make possible that the petrol and natural gas to be opened to international trade and they aim to benefit from the resources of the Caspian Region. The hydrocarbon resources of this region can be an alternative energy resource for the other regions of the world, and the petrol resources of the region can demolish the monopoly of OPEC. That?s why a conflict can be seen in order to control the region.This thesis called as ?The Energy Politics of The Caspian Region? is focused on the energy potential of the Caspian Region and the impact of this potential on foreign policy. The Caspian Region will be one of the power centers in the world because of its advantages in comparison with the other regions.KEY WORDS: The Caspian Region, Energy Resources, Pipelines, Power Centre