Turkish foreign policy in the Eastern Mediterranean is driving maritime tensions

Turkey's focus on securing access to lucrative natural gas fields is driving a more aggressive foreign policy in the Eastern Mediterranean, including in the ongoing Libya conflict. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is pressing on with illegal drilling around Cyprus, and in December signed a controversial maritime deal with Libya. Escalating tensions between Turkey and a range of international actors over the issue are therefore increasingly likely to result in maritime disruption. Key points include: What is driving Turkish foreign policy Recent developments including Turkish cyber attacks Threat to the maritime sector