The Eastern Mediterranean has become a major hotspot for both natural gas and geopolitical competition. Past-decade gas discoveries have attracted increasing interests of both regional and international countries. However, last year escalation of tensions suggests that competition goes beyond the scramble for energy. Indeed, natural gas is just one of the factors that contribute to shaping security and geopolitical dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean, which has emerged as a crucial strategic area in the context of the broader Mediterranean and the Middle East.
What are the geopolitical, security and energy interests of the countries involved? What are the implications of main players' moves and policies on the regional security context? Which factors can contribute to defusing tensions and foster cooperation?
Panelists:
- Naser Al Tamimi - Political economist; Senior Associate Research Fellow, Middle East and North Africa, ISPI
- Mitat Çelikpala - Professor, Kadir Has University, Turkey
- Alessia Melcangi - Associate Research Fellow, ISPI; Assistant Professor, Sapienza University of Rome; Non-resident Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council
- Gabriel Mitchell - Director, External Relations, Mitvim – The Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies
- Zenonas Tziarras - Researcher, Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) Cyprus Centre
Valeria Talbot (Co-Head, Middle East and North Africa Centre, ISPI) chaired the event.
