The legal status of the Caspian Sea and disputes between coastal states

Today, the role of energy in national security policies of states is an undeniable fact. Countries have sought different sources to provide uninterrupted supply of energy at affordable prices by diversifying their energy resources. Therefore, with its energy reserves, the Caspian Sea has become the center of attention for the countries of the region who want to increase their welfare levels with their energy reserves, as well as the global power states and international formations. The issue of the sharing and transfer of energy resources among the riparian states, which rose to five after the collapse of Soviet Union, raised the question of legal status. Russia's and Iran's persistent attitudes towards sharing according to the treaties made during the Soviet Union were effective in not solving the problem for a long time. It can be said that Russia and Iran implemented a conscious policy in favor of non-solution in the solution of the problem. Other problems in the region are directly or indirectly linked with the status issue. The solution of status issue will trigger to solve other difficulties. The problem of legal status has been based on the discussions of whether the Caspian Sea is a sea, a lake or special status. In this study, the geographical, geopolitical and geoeconomic characteristics of the Caspian Basin were mentioned and the factors that make the region important were emphasized. The policies of regional and global powers struggling for power and interest in the Caspian Sea have been examined in detail. While the problems among the riparian states were grouped under a general heading, the status problem was discussed in a comprehensive way under a separate heading. The historical development of the status problem was examined by dividing into periods. The theses put forward by the riparian states regarding the determination of the status was discussed in terms of applicability and responsiveness to the region. The aim of this study was to reveal that the Caspian Sea has special status and that the Caspian Sea status can be determined by a framework agreement signed by all parties, thereafter, the necessity of making arrangements according to the conditions and changing balances in line with this framework agreement. In addition, it was emphasized that whether the solution of the status problem is sustainable or not can be changed depending on the political and economic interests of the countries in the region and the regional and global powers that wish to establish activity in the region.