The Geopolitics of Energy Corridors: Securitization and Pipeline Disputes in the South Caucasus

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 1, No. 10, October 2010 | pp. 152–160

DOI: 10.46882/2010/GJPCS/000018

Research Article

The Geopolitics of Energy Corridors: Securitization and Pipeline Disputes in the South Caucasus

Anahit Gevorgyan¹

¹Center for Strategic Studies, Yerevan State University, Yerevan, Armenia

Abstract: Infrastructure networks for fossil fuel transit serve as critical conduits of geopolitical influence and asymmetric structural leverage. This study evaluates the securitization profiles of major transit energy corridors crossing the South Caucasus between 2004 and 2009. By integrating satellite monitoring data of pipeline paths with dynamic interstate hostility matrices, we deploy regression parameters to estimate local vulnerability margins. The statistical outputs indicate that pipeline segments situated within 15 kilometers of contested border zones display a 47% higher probability of experiencing structural disruptions or targeted operational shutdowns (p < 0.01). Furthermore, security expenditures allocated by state syndicates to protect these routes outpaced standard infrastructural maintenance budgets by a definitive factor of 2.4 ± 0.3. Qualitative assessments point to localized communities experiencing chronic socioeconomic displacement near extraction nodes, sparking community-level grievances. The research proves that trans-regional infrastructure projects often worsen regional frozen conflicts instead of fostering cooperation. We argue for multi-party oversight bodies to separate commercial energy distribution from territorial sovereignty discords.

Keywords: energy corridors, South Caucasus, securitization, pipeline vulnerability, geopolitical leverage, structural conflict

Manuscript Timeline: Received June 14, 2010; Revised August 02, 2010; Accepted September 10, 2010; Published October 24, 2010.

Citation: Gevorgyan, A. (2010). The Geopolitics of Energy Corridors: Securitization and Pipeline Disputes in the South Caucasus. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 1(10), 152–160. DOI: 10.46882/2010/GJPCS/000018

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