The new energy policies in the Eastern Mediterranean: Situation of Turkey's

The primary goal of this study is to analyze the influence of the newly discovered energy resources in the Eastern Mediterranean region on the relations among regional states. Especially, the potential regional cooperations on exploitation and transfer of the hydrocarbon resources that detected on the coasts of Cyprus Island and Israel will be examined. The possible changes in policies of the main actors, namely Turkey, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Israel, Greece, Southern Cyprus and Egypt will be evaluated. It has been concluded that, a potential cooperation between Israel and Turkey for a Israeli-TRNC-Turkish pipeline could be the most economic(financially feasible), reliable and rational route for transferring of East Mediterranean energy resources to the European markets. From a realist point of view, such a development can separate Israel from the emerging anti-Turkey bloc in the region. On the other hand, from a liberal perspective, it can provide enormous economic benefits to both actors and pave the way for new future cooperations. This thesis consists of 4 main chapters. In the first chapters; the concept of energy security, in chapter 2; the energy policies of the great powers, in the chapter 3; the positions of regional states and in the final chapter the legal dimension are analyzed. Keywords: Eastern Mediterranean, gas, energy, pipeline, hydrocarbon resources