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Russia and the Caspian region: challenges for transatlantic energy security?

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Abstract

The EU and the USA have not always agreed on Europe’s approach to energy security, particularly Europe’s relationship with Russia. But even when transatlantic interests have converged vis-a`-vis Russia or the Caspian region, mere concurrence has not always been sufficient for producing positive outcomes. By analysing in broad-brush strokes the motivations of the EU, the USA and Russia in four arenas — Russian and Caspian oil to world markets and Russian and Caspian gas to the EU — the contradictions and challenges are illuminated. As this analysis demonstrates, success is more likely when the EU member states are unified around a position and the transatlantic partners agree on both objectives and strategies.

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Notes

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. PFC Energy, Washington, DC, USA

    Julia Nanay

  2. Jacobs University/Bremer Energie Institut, Bremen, Germany

    Karen Smith Stegen (KAEFER Professor of Renewable Energy and Environmental Politics)

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  1. Julia Nanay
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Correspondence to Karen Smith Stegen.

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Notes on contributors

Julia Nanay is a Senior Director in PFC Energy’s Markets and Country Strategies practice where she leads the Russia and Caspian (RCS) Service and related consulting activities in Russia, Caspian/Central Asia/Eastern Europe. The service offers clients ongoing access to research, analysis and advice on a broad range of issues related to the investment environment in this region. PFC Energy is a Washington, DC-based consultancy, with offices Houston, as well as in Europe and Asia. She has an M.A.L.D. from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University and a BA from UCLA. She has authored numerous book chapters and articles and has spoken at many industry conferences.

Karen Smith Stegen is the KAEFER Chair of Renewable Energy and Environmental Politics at Jacobs University and an associated scholar with the Bremer Energie Institut, both located in Bremen, Germany. She holds an international MBA and received her Ph.D. in political science from Northwestern University. Dr Smith Stegen began her energy career over two decades ago with a major US energy company. Her recent publications include articles for Energy Policy and Risk Management, and she has been a featured speaker at numerous industry and academic conferences.

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Nanay, J., Stegen, K.S. Russia and the Caspian region: challenges for transatlantic energy security?. J Transatl Stud 10, 343–357 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1080/14794012.2012.734670

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