NATO's Altering Energy Security Perception: The Possible Position of Turkey

Abstract

In the aftermath of the 1970s energy crisis, the globe has realized the possibility of energy scarcity. As a result, the term energy security has emerged in governmental agendas throughout the globe, especially in the NATO members. From that time, energy security became an important issue in NATO, considering the economic committee, industrial planning, planning in response to terrorism, defence planning for the supply of the oil and civil emergency planning. Though, it remained as an integral part of these activities, rather than a part of a consistent policy or a comprehensive approach. However, with the transformation of the alliance and increasing member states due to the end of Cold War, the range of the security concerns has widened. This change perceived as more of a comprehensive security provider, including energy. Therefore, energy security has become a major concern for the alliance due to increasing prices, increasing demand, supply security, terrorism and technical disruptions from natural disasters. Starting with Riga summit and followed by Bucharest, Strasbourg-Kehl and finally in the alliance's new Strategic Concept at Lisbon, it acknowledged as a crucial issue for the alliance. Therefore, this article seeks to address the NATO's new Energy Security perception, broadening with contemporary energy security understanding. Moreover, it identifies the possible contribution and impact of Turkey, a NATO member and aims to be an energy bridge within the East-West energy corridor.