The Role of Powerbroking in the Mediterranean Hydrocarbon Issue and Its Impact on Environmental Crisis—A Kin-State Case Dimension on Cyprus

Abstract

The Mediterranean Sea is prone to pollution as it is almost entirely enclosed by land and its warm waters need more than 80–90 years to clean and revive themselves. The dynamic environment and climate variables affect this region, known as the cradle of civilization. Many studies have examined the Mediterranean hydrocarbon issue through varying approaches that explain how cooperation or conflict is promoted in the region. The regional security complex approach, securitization theory, resource regionalism, location theory, and the materialist school have been considered to analyze the Mediterranean basin’s hydrocarbon relations. These approaches have focused on the issue’s political, economic, security, and geographical aspects, while there needs to be more analysis on the role of the kin-states. However, the interests of each country and regional conflicts have marginalized environmental problems. This study suggests that studying the role of Greece and Turkey in Cyprus as kin-states contributes to the direction of stability for hydrocarbon gas exploration and highlights the environmental threats. It applies a new approach to the issue of Mediterranean hydrocarbon relations by utilizing the concept of kin-states and emphasizing the environmental hazards in the Mediterranean region. At the same time, hydrocarbon development is deemed a high priority for the world in general and specifically for Europe. This study reveals the role of kin-states as powerbrokers as a significant hindrance to the progress of the peaceful development of the hydrocarbon infrastructure, ensuring clean energy in the region and reducing the vulnerability of the entire island. It recommends a multilateral approach that puts kin-states at the center of hydrocarbon cooperation. Thus, the matter of environment is analyzed by interpreting the theoretical contribution to international relations.