Intertwining of the New Global and Regional Order in the Mediterranean Region

Abstract

The Eastern Mediterranean’s energy reserves have ushered in a new era of economic, military, and political dynamics, both locally and globally. While the trade in natural gas has reshaped the region’s economic landscape, it has also sparked heightened tensions and security concerns. Positioned at the crossroads of Europe, Asia Minor, and Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean now serves as a nexus for political, military, and economic interests. This chapter explores how the region’s eastern and southern shores have historically been a battleground for competing political ideologies, economic systems, and military arsenals, notably those of the United States and the Soviet Union. It delves into the complexities of foreign intervention by nations and organizations, with a particular focus on the roles of the United States, Russia, and NATO’s Mediterranean Initiative. Additionally, the chapter evaluates the theoretical frameworks of international relations, including neorealism, neoliberal institutionalism, and regional security complex theories, to elucidate the dynamics of hydrocarbon competitions in the Eastern Mediterranean and their implications for energy security.

Citation

Jabbar, B.J. (2024), "Intertwining of the New Global and Regional Order in the Mediterranean Region", Deciphering the Eastern Mediterranean's Hydrocarbon Dynamics: Unravelling Regional Shifts, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 85-100. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83608-142-520241006