Energy and Security in the Baltic Sea Region

Essay from the year 2010 in the subject Politics - International Politics - Region: Russia, grade: 1,0, University of Tampere, language: English, abstract: Certainly there is Baltic energy dependence on Russia; but it is far from clear what it means. While the energy discourse is highly securitized, it is worthwhile to look at it from another, namely economical perspective: The article argues that the dependence cited is mutual: gas is traded in a long-term contract market, huge investments in infrastructure result in long-term mutual dependence. Russia as a supplier is especially interested in demand security and is eager to deliver gas on the lucrative European market. So, exaggerated, historically grounded fears of a Russian supremacy in the Baltic, of political extortions through the 'gas weapon' don't have a basis in the economy-dominated reality. Instead, Baltic States and Russia should cooperate for mutual gain.