Role of Natural Gas in National Security of Iran, Russia, and Qatar: A Comparative Study

The close relationship between energy and other international issues during the past two centuries has given birth to special international paradigms and has created undeniable connection between security of countries and international issues. Therefore, energy and national security are interrelated. At the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century, a new paradigm has been in the offing as a result of technological and environmental developments as well as the availability of fossil fuel resources and global demand. In the meantime, increasing share of natural gas in the world’s energy basket from 23.7 percent in 2011 to 28 percent in 2030 indicates increasing importance of natural gas.; The natural gas paradigm is based on diminishing importance of crude oil which has faced countries with a choice. Having the world’s second biggest natural gas reserves Iran stands on high grounds in this regard. In terms of natural gas production, the Islamic Republic of Iran has a creditable standing in the world, but due to excessive domestic production and wasteful habits in all industrial, household and business sectors, a great deal of the total daily production of over 500 million cubic meters of natural gas in the country is squandered as a result of high energy intensity. Therefore, such a great capacity has not been translated into suitable political and economic power. Studies carried out through this research show that although huge investments have been made in development of the natural gas industry by major rival countries of Iran, that is, Russia and Qatar, the Islamic Republic has not done much for taking optimal advantage of this economic advantage.; A review of Russia’s performance shows that following the collapse of the Soviet Union and establishment of the new managerial system in that country and due to Mr. Putin’s initiatives, the country has been able to play a prominent part in supplying energy to Europe and establishing a link between Russia’s economy and security and that of Europe.; On the other hand, Qatar is developing its North Dome gas field, which is shared with Iran’s South Pars gas field, in order to emerge as the main economic hub in the southern part of the Persian Gulf. Export of liquefied natural gas (LNG) is currently playing a prominent role in economy and security of Qatar. The country has been also able to boost its regional importance by exporting natural gas to neighboring countries using Dolphin pipeline.;