Energy, Environment and Geopolitics in Eurasia: Search for Security in the Water-Energy-Food Nexus

The book "Running on Empty: The Energy-Water-Food Nexus in Central Eurasia" examines the complex relationship between security, geopolitics, and the environment in Eurasia, highlighting the critical importance of the energy-water-food nexus for human security. The authors argue that Central Eurasia is currently facing significant environmental challenges, including water quantity and quality and food security, and that the region is characterized by competition and complementarities among key actors. The book offers a novel and interdisciplinary approach to understanding security in Eurasia, making it an important resource for students and scholars of energy and food security, political economy, international conflict and cooperation, and natural resource politics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 22 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the complex relationship between security, geopolitics, and the environment in Eurasia, shedding light on the critical role of the energy-water-food nexus in shaping political economy and human security. Norman A. Graham and Şuhnaz Yılmaz, experts in the region, focus their attention on Eurasia, where the interplay between these factors has become increasingly significant. The authors highlight the fragile balance underlying the energy-water-food nexus, particularly in Central Eurasia, as evidenced by the recent events surrounding the Russian invasion of Ukraine. They argue that the region is currently "Running on Empty," facing significant environmental challenges such as water quantity and quality, as well as food security.

To assess the interests and impact of pivotal actors and evaluate the competition and complementarities of these actors regarding water, energy, food security, and foreign policy imperatives, the authors draw on extensive fieldwork in countries including Azerbaijan, China, Georgia, Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. They examine the broader interaction and implications of security at multiple levels by analyzing the local, national, and international factors in light of geopolitical and environmental challenges.

In taking a novel and highly interdisciplinary approach, this book offers valuable insights for students and scholars of energy and food security, political economy, international conflict and cooperation, and natural resource politics. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the complex dynamics that shape security in Eurasia and offers practical solutions for addressing the challenges posed by the energy-water-food nexus.

Weight: 600g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032447490