EXEMPLIFYING THE (DE)SECURITISATION OF ENERGY IN THE BLACK SEA REGION

Abstract

EXEMPLIFYING THE (DE)SECURITISATION OF ENERGY IN THE BLACK SEA REGION Pınar AKGÜL Abstract Growing energy resources demand an increase in the importance of new energy suppliers as well as routes. Alternative abundant energy suppliers and routes simultaneously increase the importance of the Black Sea Region (BSR). Inspired by the concept of securitisation, this article examines the nature of energy relationships among BSR countries. It is argued that accepting the fact that all countries in the region are prone to securitise energy supply or demand in their bilateral relations, the degree of securitisation differs from country to country. While Russia and a number of former-Soviet Union countries highly securitise energy, Turkey sees energy as a foreign policy tool, and tends to desecuritise energy in its relations with other countries. Securitization in this regard refers to conceptualising energy as a high political and security issue and potentially brings conflict or creates tension, whereas desecuritisation transforms security concerns into a commercial transaction. Moreover, criticising the conceptual aspect of the securitisation, this article examines the actions and practices of states referring to actual policies, such as energy projects (pipelines) in addition to speech acts. Keywords: energy, securitisation, the Black Sea region, energy projects Jel Codes: F50, F59, Q49