THE NEW GEOPOLITICAL GAME IN THE CASPIAN REGION: AZERBAIJAN-TURKEY ENERGY RELATIONS

Abstract

The Caspian Basin has been one of the most important geopolitical scenes since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The historical development of the basin in the last decade and a half provides us with some important clues about the dynamics of the new energy geopolitics. This article aims to examine geopolitical events that have occurred in connection with the hydrocarbon riches of the basin from a historical perspective. The focus of the article is mainly on the energy upstream and midstream projects developed between Turkey and the Caspian states, especially Azerbaijan. These significant events are investigated as part of nine "game" concepts. After examining these games thoroughly, the winners are listed according to their degrees with a discussion of results and possible conclusions.