The London Energy Club - Chair
My generation learned about energy geopolitics through oil. We witnessed oil wars, embargoes, tanker crises, the political power of OPEC, and how the United States reshaped the world through energy. Then came natural gas. It was called a “transition fuel,” but it quickly turned into a new tool of strategic dependency. Today, however, we stand
The 20-year Turkish-US deal signed in Washington on September 25 during Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan’s meeting with US President Donald Trump marks a new chapter in energy and geopolitics balance. The agreement between BOTAŞ and US producers is more than a long-term supply contract; it is a clear signal of Türkiye’s determination to reduce dependence
The Erdoğan–Netanyahu confrontation is no longer just a war of words. It reflects a deeper struggle shaped by the contested status of Jerusalem, energy rivalries in the Eastern Mediterranean, and U.S. unwavering support for Israel. The only way out lies in a hard-nosed approach to deterrence, balanced by sober diplomacy. From words to weapons For
In geopolitics, power is no longer measured solely by having a seat at the table, but by one’s ability to disrupt it if excluded. Today, Türkiye is demonstrating precisely that: an increasingly agile power whose influence cannot be ignored, even when it is not formally included. Some nations are invited to shape the game. Others
The energy map of the Middle East may be redrawn with the revival of the Kirkuk–Baniyas oil pipeline—a move that could sideline Türkiye. Iraq’s decision to bring back to life the pipeline connecting Kirkuk with Syria’s Mediterranean port city of Baniyas is not merely an infrastructure investment; it’s a strategic maneuver capable of shifting the
Türkiye stands at a critical juncture in its political journey. The legal actions, political pressures, and the arrest and imprisonment of İstanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu on March 23rd yesterday not only aim to block his path to the presidency but are poised to reshape the country’s political landscape in profound ways. This issue, originally
A formal investigation has been launched against Mehmet Ömer Arif Aras, President of the High Advisory Council (YİK) of the Turkish Industry and Business Association (TÜSİAD), based on the views and criticisms he expressed during the association’s general assembly. Having served in the public sector, international organizations, and now in private industry for many years—witnessing
Despite dozens of agreements and protocols signed over the years between Türkiye and Turkmenistan, we have yet to see the gas molecules flow. However, according to the announcement by Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, if no setbacks occur, natural gas from Turkmenistan will begin flowing to Türkiye starting March 1st through a new
Ukraine’s recent attempt to attack the TurkStream pipeline represents an alarming and perilous escalation. The fact that this initiative failed should not bring us comfort; after all, a similar attempt occurred in May 2023, and there is no assurance that future attacks will be thwarted. Should another assault take place, we would find ourselves unable
Milking a cow constantly makes it hard to obtain sufficient and quality milk. Eventually, the cow becomes unwell and can no longer produce milk. The same goes for taxes. Extracting more taxes than citizens, businesses, and institutions can bear may lead to economic instability and injustice. Excessive tax burdens become unsustainable, especially for low-income groups