The Turkish--Georgian partnership and the pipeline factor.

Most studies of energy geopolitics in the former Soviet Union have presented a pessimistic view of the prospects for regional pipeline projects to reduce inter-state tensions rather than exacerbate them. This paper aims at presenting the opposite thesis: cooperation in the field of oil transportation could strengthen inter-state relations and promote stability in the region. Indeed, pipeline development has helped Georgia and Turkey to overcome bilateral problems and focus their efforts on improving political and security relations to their mutual benefit.