The Changing Geopolitics of Turkmenistan between 2009 and 2011 Opportunities and Limits. The European Perspective Cover Image

Proměny geopolitiky Turkmenistánu v letech 2009–2011. Možnosti a limity Evropy
The Changing Geopolitics of Turkmenistan between 2009 and 2011 Opportunities and Limits. The European Perspective

Author(s): Slavomír Horák
Subject(s): Social Sciences
Published by: Univerzita Karlova v Praze, Nakladatelství Karolinum
Keywords: Turkmenistan; Europe; geopolitics; natural gas; pipelines

Summary/Abstract: This paper critically examines the export potential of the Turkmen gas in the short- and medium run. It explores to what extent is it feasible for Europe to join the increasing competition for the Turkmen gas. Although the paper argues that European customers might benefit from securing gas imports from Turkmenistan, serious geopolitical obstacles are likely to hamper Europe’s efforts to open up new gas supply routes. For Europeans, the biggest challenge comes in the form of assertive policies pursued by regional powers, such as China, Russia, Iran, and India, who enjoy an advantage of geographic proximity to Turkmenistan.

  • Issue Year: XII/2012
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 85-103
  • Page Count: 19
  • Language: Czech