Sciences Po Bordeaux

Alumnus, Centre Emile Durkheim

Thesis Title: Azerbaijan, Hydrocarbon Resources, and Pipelines. Sociotechnical Networks and Regionalization

About

This dissertation looks at the socio-political impacts of the pipelines that have been implemented in the South Caucasus since 1991. It is based on a theoretical framework mixing Actor-Network Theory, Norbert Elias’s sociology and management approaches. It assumes that the construction of an Azerbaijani hydrocarbons transportation complex system sheds light into the evolution of the South Caucasian configuration.
First, this research studies interactions that emerge around the implementation of export routes for Azerbaijani oil and gas resources. It highlights the development of new forms of governance, which mostly benefit to the oil company BP. Second, this dissertation demonstrates that the sociotechnical networks built around these new export routes contribute to the evolution of the South Caucasian configuration. These networks overflow the economic sphere to foster regionalization between Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey. Third, this research underlines the benefits the Azerbaijani state-company retrieves from this hydrocarbons-based regionalization. Baku takes advantage of oil and gas resources to increase its economic and political influence within the South Caucasian configuration.
Therefore, the Actor-Network Theory helps to shed light into the economic and political role of hydrocarbons in the rise of Azerbaijan. From a failed state, this country has now established itself as a regional power.


Disciplinary field: Actor-Network Theory; Management theories; International Relations Theory; Sociology of elites.

Geographic areas of expertise: Central Asia, South Caucasus, Turkey.