NAVIGATING ASYMMETRY: ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE AS POLITICAL CAPITAL FOR SMALL AND MIDDLE POWERS

The increase in global energy consumption has placed energy security at the center of the international politics. The European Union (EU) has historically met its energy needs significantly from Russia, a dependency largely explained by Russia’s abundant energy resources and geographical proximity. However, the Russia-Ukraine war has strained EU-Russia relations, disrupted energy supply chains, and prompted the EU to prioritize diversification strategies to ensure energy security. In this context, new forms of cooperation are emerging between the EU which seeks to ensure the continuity of energy supply by diversifying its network of suppliers and producer countries to expand their customer base. Azerbaijan in the Caspian region stands out as an alternative supplier due to itsrich hydrocarbon reserves, while Türkiye, with its geopolitical location and infrastructure capacity, has gained prominence as a strategic energy transit country. Employing a small state strategy, Azerbaijan shows significant effort to secure sovereign control over its hydrocarbon resources, while Türkiye is pursuing a middle power strategy in the region. Leveraging its regional advantages, Türkiye aims to strengthen its position as an energy hub connecting supplier countries with European markets. Developed through Azerbaijan–Türkiye cooperation, the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) enhances energy supply security, and positions Türkiye as an indispensable partner for the European Union. These projects have reinforced Türkiye’s central role in the East–West energy flow while simultaneously strengthening Azerbaijan’s sovereign control over its resources. Based on small state strategy and middle power analysis this article argues that energy transit infrastructure carries not only economic significance but also political and geopolitical implications. Using the cases of Türkiye and Azerbaijan, it examines how control over energy transmission routes allows regional actors to redefine their positions within the international system through dimensions such as sovereignty, scalability, and stability.