Energy Resources as Factors of Geopolitical Importance of the Caspian Body of Water

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present a short introduction to the geopolitical importance and impact of energy resources on the definition of the legal status of Caspian body of water. The legal status of the water is regulated in accordance with international conventions or international law, and depends of the definition of water, as a sea or as a lake. The kind of water actually has a direct impact on the method of sharing of its natural resources. In the Caspian case, precisely because of its resources, (gas and oil), the issue of legal status is still open. In relation to this issue, research has shown that the position of five Caspian countries depends of their interest and benefits of the natural resources. The conclusion is that the energy resources are the primary factor for regulation of the legal status of Caspian body of water, whilst the pipeline network balances the world energetic stability.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n5p151