Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Assistant Professor, Department of Russian Studies, Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2
Assistant Professor, ECO college of insurance, Department of Regional Studies, Allameh Tabatabai University, Tehran, Iran
3
PhD student in International Relations, Department of International Relations, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
10.22059/jices.2024.98751
Abstract
Energy projects and pipelines have become critically important, influencing not only the member countries involved in initiatives like the Trans-Caspian pipeline but also the broader region. The significant role of energy in both economic and political spheres has prompted countries to focus on areas rich in oil and gas reserves. Central Asia and the Caucasus are key regions in this context, with Turkmenistan playing a vital role due to its substantial natural gas reserves. The Trans-Caspian pipeline project is regarded as one of Turkmenistan's most important initiatives for developing natural gas exports. Given the considerable importance of the Trans-Caspian pipeline for the countries in the region, particularly Iran, this research aims to explore the question: What impact does the implementation of the Trans-Caspian pipeline have on the geopolitical and geoeconomic interests of Iran? Utilizing the explanatory-analytical method informed by the theoretical frameworks of the Copenhagen School, the primary hypothesis of this research posits that the implementation of the Trans-Caspian pipeline will yield diverse effects on Iran's geopolitics and geoeconomics. The research findings indicate that the implementation of the Trans-Caspian pipeline poses various geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges for Iran, notably threatening its energy security and influencing military and political dimensions. Given these implications, developments related to the Trans-Caspian pipeline demand greater attention, particularly concerning their potential to diminish Iran's influence in the region, alter the balance of power in favor of Western countries, and undermine Iran's role as an energy transit route and supplier to the European market.
Keywords
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