Trans-Afghan Energy Corridor as a Peace-Building Mechanism

Although no major war has been exclusively related to the control of oil and gas, disputes over energy and transportation routes have consistently played a significant role in many regional conflicts.

The control of natural resources is also a very frequent component of domestic conflicts, especially in energy-rich developing countries. For example, current conflict in Nigeria started 20 years ago over tensions between international oil companies and the local population, who felt that they were disenfranchised from energy profits. Ethnic and political unrest persist even though major concessions have been made to these local groups.

But energy resources can also serve as a “peace catalyzer,” through trans-border energy joint ventures based on shared economic interest and win-win solutions. Once conflict is put aside, all actors involved can experience tangible economic and social benefits. Over time, these benefits may also generate a “peace dividend” that gains more importance for stakeholders, as cooperation and stability bear fruit.

Energy could also bring peace and stability to Southwest Asia. There are numerous synergies between the rapidly industrializing South Asia and the resource-rich Central Asia. A trans-Afghan “energy bridge” could unite these two complementary sub-regions while bringing new investment and trading opportunities to Afghanistan. As a result, living standards will improve, local business will grow and new revenues will be generated.

Read this article by Danila Bochkarev in full at The Hill.  Danila Bochkarev is a Brussels-based fellow with EWI's Global Security team.