Resurgent Russia? Rethinking Energy Inc.: Five Myths about the "Energy Superpower"

In: Policy review: the journal of American citizenship, Heft 147, S. [np]

Abstract

Argues that common perceptions regarding the petroleum-related return of Russia as a player on the international stage are mistaken. In this light, five myths that inform Western policy toward Russia are challenged. (1) Russia has an energy weapon. It is contended that Russian energy is not primarily about geopolitics. (2) Gazprom is a key to Russian foreign policy. Russia's recent "gas disputes" are seen as springing from profit motive rather than a desire to punish wayward neighboring governments. (3) High energy prices are driving Russian economic recovery. It is asserted that Russia's economic success has less to do with gas & oil than thought. (4) Russia is an energy superpower. A risk of running out of gas is viewed as attenuating any Russian ambitions of sustaining such a status. (5) A Sino-Russian oil & gas alliance is pending. Russia's economic interests trump geostrategic considerations underpinning any alliance. Demonstrated are the limits of predominant Western arguments regarding Russian energy. Implications for US & Western foreign policy are examined. D. Edelman