Russia as a Neighborhood Energy Bully

Author(s): Stefan Hedlund
Editor(s): Stephen Aris, Matthias Neumann, Robert Orttung, Jeronim Perovic, Heiko Pleines, Hans-Henning Schröder, Aglaya Snetkov
Series: Russian Analytical Digest (RAD)
Issue: 100
Pages: 2-5
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich; Research Centre for East European Studies, University of Bremen; Institute of History, University of Basel
Publication Year: 2011

This article examines whether Russia's extensive energy reserves can make up for the loss of its once formidable military might. Ultimately, interdependence between producers and consumers reduces the utility of energy as a weapon. Corruption and a willingness to pay large sums to achieve political goals, rather than superpower ambitions, define European-Russian energy relations. To the extent that both sides are willing to build expensive pipeline infrastructure for non-commercial purposes, they are both responsible for Russia's bullying behavior. However, the tactics Russia uses against a divided Europe are not likely to work in relation to the more unified and far-sighted China.

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