Power and energy : geopolitical aspects of the transnational natural gas pipelines from the Caspian Sea basin to Europe

This study examines the geopolitical rivalry over control of the Caspian Sea basin natural gas resources and the transportation routes among four world powers--Russia, the European Union, the United States, and China. The author assesses the risks posed by instability in the Caspian Sea states to the realization of proposed natural gas pipeline projects in the region. Russia's role and strategy as a key player in the Caspian Sea region is analyzed, with a focus on its natural gas reserves and pipeline transportation system, which it is using not only for economic reasons but for political purpose to regain its lost status on the international scene. The study also evaluates the impact of individual states' conflicts of interest on the choice of natural gas transportation routes to Europe.

Department dc:contributor.department

Defense Analysis (DA)

Grantor dc:publisher

Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School

Year dc:date.issued

2010

Author dc:creator

• Benke, Ildiko.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Tsypkin, Mikhail

Statement dc:rights

• This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10945/5303

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:calhoun.nps.edu:10945/5303