Euro-Russian relations have strained over the recent years in energy matters as certain vested interests shifted perceptions into the realm of what ... ... the trade-off worth it?
Energy Weaponry Myth:
Pathological fear does exist, that Gazprom may in some way use its power to influence Europe as a dominant supplier. However... ... as all the loans for developing new fields and constructing new pipes are done via long-term contracts. This is vital for Gazprom, as the lending banks absolutely adore...
... official commitment to economic modernisation, on the one hand, and authoritarian consolidation, on the other hand.
Energy Calamity
It is argued by some that the Russo-European relationship has soured creating an anti-Russian stance. Has ... ... the Kremlin’s determination to preserve Russian’s “sphere of privileged interests” in the Caucasus and Central Asia are palpable. In the South and East of its vast country, Moscow acts more like a neo-imperial power. Like Beijing ...
... European market is quickly becoming less accessible raising the question: where to go? Aside, long-term diversification from energy export dependence, Russia has a relatively shorter-term option: to expand into Asia, but this option is far from easy and ... ... extraction and transport difficult. Key gas fields, like Kovykta, are isolated by taiga or encircled by canyons – these are not Gazprom friendly areas due to a lack of piping expertise. Besides technical issues, political factors have also strained development....
... to Russia was highly symbolic, as is the case with first foreign visits (See: NTS). Energy was at the forefront of the visit with two different outcomes for the oil and... ... 2013 (See: FoxBusiness). The most recent negotiations have lasted since 2004, when Gazprom signed a cooperation deal with its Chinese counterpart for up to 68 bcm of gas... ... (See: Reuters). However, on the brightside Gazprom agreed with China in regards to long-term contracts, thus allowing it to develop the riskier fields as export was more...