The geopolitics of gas in South America

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explain by means of a geopolitical approach the present state and perspectives of the South American energy sector between 2004 and 2011 – focused on the use of gas.There are situations where conflicts move from bilateral problems to regional ones. Beginning in 2004 as a binational crisis centered in Argentina and Chile, it became a regional and global one after the active participation of France and Russia which determined large-scale changes. These processes of change are analyzed by applying a qualitative methodology that, through the analysis of speech of critical geopolitics allows to perceive the complex power relations that exist between the actors outside the region – such as Russia, Iran and France – with key regional players – Brazil, Venezuela and Bolivia, through a series of non-traditional partnerships that arise as a result of changes in regional and global scenario.