Russian Energy Power Abroad

Author(s): Jeronim Perovic
Editor(s): Jeronim Perovic, Robert Orttung, Matthias Neumann, Heiko Pleines, Hans-Henning Schröder
Series: Russian Analytical Digest (RAD)
Issue: 33
Pages: 2-5
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich; Research Centre for East European Studies, University of Bremen
Publication Year: 2008

Energy lies at the heart of Russia's economic recovery. The wealth generated from energy exports has gone hand in hand with political stabilization and has contributed significantly to Russia's assertiveness in international politics. Energy has emerged as a key factor shaping Russian's foreign relations. But it is difficult for Russia to use energy as leverage in a market where buyers, sellers, and intermediaries are so inter-connected. The interdependencies in the energy market are complex, and changes in the system can easily lead to conflicts that might ultimately also affect Russia in a negative way. Russia thus has to maneuver carefully in its decision-making, since the stability of the system also depends on the choices that the EU, Russia's neighbors, and the US make.

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