The Energy Factor in Eastern Mediterranean Relations

Abstract

This paper discusses the prospects for the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean region to cooperate in the energy sector, especially on the potentially lucrative natural gas resource. It argues that several factors seem to inhibit their ability to reach agreements on bilateral or multilateral cooperation. The paper considers the impact of history on the regional countries’ ability to work together. It also examines the effect of the regional countries’ uneven gas exploration and exploitation on the ability to cooperate, which handicap their capacity to resolve the lingering exclusive economic zone feuds. The paper concludes that the region’s countries are not quite ready to wok in collaboration despite the obvious advantages of collective action.