TRANSATLANTIC RELATIONS AND GEOPOLITICAL FRAGILITY IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN REGION

Authors

  • Prof. Dr. Ioannis NOMIKOS RIEAS Research Institute for European and American Studies
  • Ms. Raagini SHARMA RIEAS Research Institute for European and American Studies

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53477/2668-5094-21-17

Keywords:

EU, USA, NATO, East-Mediterranean Sea, Russia, China, Energy, Security.

Abstract

The landmasses of the USA and EU which are on the opposing sides of the Atlantic Ocean have come into focus once again, socially and culturally linked ideals, such as democracy and human rights were always the backbone in the transatlantic relationship along with the joint commitments for free-market capitalism which were entrenched within the interests of the two major partners. The transatlantic relationship is reportedly plagued by difficulties. Since the establishment of NATO in 1949, transatlantic relationship has been at the
centre of discussions for the United States and Europe. It keeps the two regions working together to combat the challenges in the world where there are conflicts. Common Institutions and Shared Identity are the core principles which unites the two regions. From relations with Russia and China to the policies on Iran and Syria's weapons control and climate change, transatlantic relations have arisen on world affairs today. On the other hand the geopolitical dynamics with the recent discoveries of significant natural gas deposits in the East
Mediterranean region in the offshores of Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Israel has become a hot spot for energy extraction. With the discovery of Eastern Mediterranean's natural gas fields like Tamar, Leviathan, Zohr and Aphrodite, and it has made transformative effect on the region. Energy is going to be crucial for future economic development in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The recent gas discoveries have been anticipated as offering an impetus for new levels of energy cooperation, as well as generating space for a larger power base and solidifying stability in the region.

Author Biographies

Prof. Dr. Ioannis NOMIKOS, RIEAS Research Institute for European and American Studies

 Profesor Ioannis Nomikos is director of the Research Institute for European and American Studies (RIEAS), Chairman of the European Intelligence Academy (EIA) based in Athens, Greece and founding editor of the "Journal of European and American Intelligence Studies" (JEAIS). He is head of the department of International relations, history, and politics in the Webster University Athens. His research interests focus on transatlantic relations, European Intelligence Studies, US Foreign Policy, Energy Security, Greek Israeli relations, Greek Indians relations, Illegal migration, transnational crime, jihadi networks, and extremism in the Balkan peninsula. He has written articles for academic intelligence journals and participated in international conferences in EU, Middle East, USA, Canada, India, and Gulf States.

Ms. Raagini SHARMA, RIEAS Research Institute for European and American Studies

Ms. Raagini SHARMA is a senior analyst at the Research Institute for European and American Studies (RIEAS). She was former research coordinator at Global Counter Terrorism Council (GCTC) based in India. She is interested in ‘Terrorism and Counterterrorism’ studies and particularly follows right-wing extremism, radicalization, and its impact on Western societies. Hence, she focuses on policies, threat assessments, modus operandi, overt and covert support groups, international laws and likely solutions apart from other germane aspects related to terrorism and right wing extremism.

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Published

2021-07-15