Below is a new article authored by Robert Amsterdam in the latest edition Energy Risk on the East-West tug-of-war going on in Turkey over critical supply routes, and how the energy diplomacy game has been affected by the war in Georgia. RA has written for this publication in the past, and delivered a speech at their 2007 conference in Houston.

Turkey’s political pipelines Turkey’s strategic position at the crossroads of East and West has put it at the centre of a geopolitical tug of war, with energy supply a key driver. Robert Amsterdam examines the energy policies being brought to bear in the region Turkey’s role in global affairs is defined by its geostrategic importance as the bridge between Europe and the Near East. Following Russia’s invasion and occupation of Georgia in August, which caused considerable energy supply jitters, Turkey was once again thrust into the spotlight as the European Union considers its dwindling options for alternative supply routes beyond the reach of Gazprom, Russia’s natural gas oligopoly.