ENERGY POLITICS AND THE RUSSIA-NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANISATION (NATO) DIVIDE: THE ROLE OF OIL AND GAS IN GEOPOLITICAL DYNAMICS
Keywords:
Energy Security, Russia-NATO Relations, Oil and Gas, Pipeline Politics, Geopolitical Strategy, European Energy DependenceAbstract
The interplay between energy politics and international security has become increasingly significant in the post-Cold War geopolitical landscape, particularly in the context of the Russia-NATO divide. This paper explores how oil and natural gas serve not only as economic commodities but also as instruments of geopolitical influence, especially in Russia’s strategic calculus toward NATO member states. Through a critical examination of Russia’s state-controlled energy apparatus and its pipeline diplomacy, the study investigates how energy has been weaponized to exploit Europe’s dependency and sow divisions within the NATO alliance. Special emphasis is placed on historical events such as the 2006 and 2009 gas crises, the construction of Nord Stream pipelines, and the geopolitical fallout from the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which marked a turning point in transatlantic energy relations. By employing a theoretical framework grounded in realism and theories of asymmetric interdependence, the paper analyzes the strategic use of energy leverage by the Kremlin and evaluates NATO and EU responses, including diversification strategies, sanctions, and the promotion of LNG imports. The research draws on policy documents, energy trade data, and case studies involving Ukraine, Germany, and the Baltic states to illustrate the multifaceted nature of energy politics in shaping alliance dynamics and regional security. Ultimately, the paper argues that energy has become a central axis in the evolving confrontation between Russia and NATO, and understanding this dimension is crucial for crafting resilient geopolitical and energy strategies. The conclusions offer policy recommendations for reinforcing energy security within the NATO framework
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