Assignment Question
Research Question: “How do global powers, including the United States, Russia, Iran, and China, influence Azerbaijan’s energy security, and what are the implications for regional stability and energy diplomacy in the South Caucasus?” Research Topic: “Energy Security in Azerbaijan: Assessing the Impact of Global Powers, including the United States, Russia, Iran, and China.” Need to write a 12-page research paper (double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-pt. font Chicago style.) according to one of the following parameters. · Identify and explain the main sources of instability and insecurity for a country or region of your choosing, or for the global security environment more broadly. · Plagiarism is unacceptable, Paper Elements You should include the following in your paper: Significance of context and relevance of your topic to strategic security studies. Easily identifiable research statement (what you will prove) or question (what you will investigate) early in the opening paragraphs. Introductory road map detailing in brief how you will go about making your argument. Clear, concise, and comprehensive summarization that accurately describes and explains source arguments in your literature review. Focused analysis on source core elements as they relate to your topic and argument. Counter arguments in the review of relevant literature to support your argument. Paragraph linkages and transitions between sources, sub-topics, and empirical evidence that progressively build your argument throughout the paper. Concluding remarks that include implications of your research. The following serve as guidelines in the assessment of paper: PAPERS There are cornerstones of a superior paper: 1. It answers the question in a highly analytical manner. 2. It presents evidence to support that thesis that is appropriately cited and referenced; 3. It addresses, explicitly or implicitly, opposing arguments or weaknesses in the thesis and provides supporting evidence. 4. It accomplishes the above in a clear and well-organized fashion Annotated Bibliography The sources is approximately Source 1 Vera-Muniz, Omar. “Elements of Azeri’s Independent Foreign Policy: Energy, Geography, and Global Powers Rivalry.” PhD diss., University of Central Florida, 2012. · The research question of this source is, “How do geography, energy resources, and the rivalries between global powers impact Azerbaijan’s foreign policy?” · The author argues that Azerbaijan’s foreign policy is greatly influenced by its geographical constraints, its use of energy resources as a diplomatic tool, and influence of global powers, especially the United States and Russia. · Among the research sources used by the author are academic works, Azerbaijan’s geography, energy leverage, and U.S.-Russian competition. Sources such as Azerbaijan International, the Department of Energy, BP, Chevron, SOCAR, OSCE, and news outlets support his claims. · The author’s argument is well-supported by evidence from a variety of sources such as interviews with experts, news reports, and official statistics. · Yes, this source directly addresses the cause-and-effect relationship outlined in the research question by examining how global powers influence Azerbaijan’s energy security and foreign policy and the resulting implications for regional stability and energy diplomacy in the South Caucasus. Source 2 Bashirov, Galib. “Energy, security and democracy: the shifting US policy in Azerbaijan.” Cambridge Review of International Affairs 32, no. 6 (2019): 771-798. · The research question of this source is the major shifts in US policy in Azerbaijan based on the relative weight given to energy, security, and democracy issues. · The author argues that US policy in Azerbaijan has undergone significant shifts over time, with different administrations placing varying degrees of emphasis on energy, security, and democracy issues. · The author supports the argument with sources such as presidential speeches like Trump’s National Security Strategy, government documents like the United States Code on Foreign Relations, and policy reports such as the Caspian Region Energy Development Report. He also draws on interviews with policymakers and experts to provide additional insights into the motivations behind US policy in Azerbaijan. · The author’s arguments are well supported with evidence from a variety of sources, including expert interviews and news reports. · The article provides information related to my research question and offers valuable historical insights into the evolving nature of US policy, its consequences on Azerbaijan’s energy security, the changing dynamics of US-Azerbaijan relations, and their collective influence on regional stability and energy diplomacy in the South Caucasus. Source 3 Shokri Kalehsar, Omid. “Iran-Azerbaijan Energy Relations in the Post-Sanctions Era.” Middle East Policy 23, no. 1 (March 1, 2016): 136–43. doi:10.1111/mepo.12180. · This article examines the energy relations between Iran and Azerbaijan. The research question is how do Iran and Azerbaijan’s energy relations evolve in the post-sanctions era, and what are the key factors, challenges, and opportunities shaping their energy cooperation? · The author argues that Azerbaijan can benefit from Iran’s natural gas supply, while Iran can benefit from Azerbaijan’s oil and gas infrastructure. The author also highlights the importance of cooperation between the two countries in order to reduce their dependence on Russia’s energy supply. · The author uses a variety of sources to support their main claim, including interviews with experts, news reports, and official statistics. For example, the author cites data from the International Energy Agency to show that Azerbaijan’s oil production has been declining since 2010, while its gas production has been increasing. The author also cites data from the National Iranian Gas Company to show that Iran has significant natural gas reserves that could be exported to Azerbaijan. · There is nothing in the argument or evidence presented by the author that I find incomplete or dissatisfying. The author contends that energy collaboration between Iran and Azerbaijan is advantageous for both nations. This assertion is backed by historical context, oil and gas production data, information on energy agreements and infrastructure, and expert statements. The evidence highlights Iran’s energy sector capacity, Azerbaijan’s role as an exporter, and the significance of the Southern Gas Corridor for European energy diversification. · This source is relevant to the cause relationship in my research question because it discusses how Iran and Azerbaijan can develop a mutually beneficial energy relationship to reduce their dependence on Russia’s energy supply. However, it does not directly address the impact of this relationship on Europe’s energy security. Source 4 Shafiyev, Farid (ed.). Azerbaijan’s Geopolitical Landscape. Prague: Charles University in Prague, Karolinum Press, 2020. · This book focuses on various aspects of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy and its complex geopolitical position in the South Caucasus region, as well as examining Azerbaijan’s relations with neighboring and world powers and how these interactions have shaped its foreign policy strategies. · The main claim is that Azerbaijan’s intricate geopolitics, driven by foreign policy challenges, significantly impact regional energy dynamics, given its strategic location and substantial hydrocarbon reserves in the South Caucasus. · The author supports their main claim with a range of sources, including interviews, news reports, and statistics, such as De Waal and Svante Cornell’s work on the “Frozen Conflict” (2017), Sven Bishop’s analysis of the EU’s role among great powers, the 1999 EU-Azerbaijan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, and Robert M. Cutler’s study of Azerbaijan’s position in Euro-Caspian energy security (2012). · There is nothing in the arguments or evidence that I find incomplete or unsatisfactory. This source specifically discusses how the energy problems of the South Caucasus have shaped the geopolitical landscape of Azerbaijan and provides insight into the complexities of the region. · These sources are essential for grasping the root causes of the intricate security landscape in the South Caucasus, shedding light on the actions and policies of regional actors that have resulted in security challenges. This information directly pertains to my research question. Source 5 Ipek, Pinar. “Azerbaijan’s Foreign Policy and Challenges for Energy Security.” Middle East Journal 63, no. 2 (March 1, 2009): 227–39. doi:10.3751/63.2.13. Source 6 Bocse, Alexandra-Maria. “EU Energy Diplomacy: Searching for New Suppliers in Azerbaijan and Iran.” Geopolitics 24, no. 1 (January 1, 2019): 145–73. doi:10.1080/14650045.2018.1477755. Source 7 Sanili Aydin, Ulviyye, and Ahmet Nazmi Uste. “Review of New Political Risks for the Multinational Energy Corporations in the Caspian Basin: A Study for Azerbaijan.” Transnational Corporations Review / Kuaguo Gongsi 14, no. 3 (September 1, 2022): 323–32. doi:10.1080/19186444.2022.2076495. Source 8 “President: Green Energy Corridor Project to Strengthen Energy Security of Both Azerbaijan and Partner Countries.” Azer News (Baku, Azerbaijan), October 8, 2023. https://research-ebsco-com.nduezproxy.idm.oclc.org/linkprocessor/plink?id=9506a4df-14d1-3a27-b4b7-1519d8185e06.
