The African Atlantic Gas Pipeline and the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline: Geopolitical Competition in North Africa, West Africa, and the Sahel Triangle

Authors : Fatih Dağ

Pages : 67-98

Doi:10.47932/ortetut.1745945

View : 169 | Download : 918

Publication Date : 2025-10-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This article compares the regional and international political impacts of two gas pipeline projects currently on the agenda in Africa\\\'s energy geopolitics -the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (Nigeria-Morocco-Europe) and the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (Nigeria-Algeria-Europe)- not merely through the lens of economics or energy transfer, but as geopolitical instruments. The study questions how the two pipeline projects shape geopolitical competition in West Africa, the Sahel, and North Africa, their positions in Nigeria’s energy-political strategy, and their importance for Europe\\\'s energy security. It conducts theoretical and empirical analysis along the axes of geopolitical competition, regional power balance, and energy security. Mackinder\\\'s Heartland Theory and Mearsheimer\\\'s offensive neorealist approach are the basic frameworks for interpreting the effects of these projects in the context of international relations. Keohane and Nye\\\'s complex interdependence approach is used to assess the potential of energy infrastructure projects to create an environment of cooperation or conflict. The energy security paradigm supported by Yergin and Vivoda\\\'s views is also used to analyze the projects in the European Union (EU) context. The study adopts a qualitative research method using document analysis, comparative case analysis, and strategic analysis techniques based on SWOT analysis-supported scenarios. The analysis is structured around a multidimensional framework based on regional competition between Morocco and Algeria, Nigeria\\\'s strategic position, and the EU\\\'s energy policies. The two pipeline projects are considered as energy transportation infrastructure and geopolitical power projections. These are evaluated geopolitical levers in the regional power competition shaping the North Africa, Sahel, and West Africa contexts.
Keywords : Afrika Atlantik Gaz Boru Hattı, Avrupa Enerji güvenliği, Fas–Cezayir rekabeti, Nijerya Enerji Politikası, Trans-Sahra Gaz Boru Hattı

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