Accession Number:

ADA561551

Title:

Under the Yoke: Europe's Natural Gas Dependency on Russia

Descriptive Note:

Strategy Research Project

Corporate Author:

ARMY WAR COLL CARLISLE BARRACKS PA

Personal Author(s):

• Koven, Alexander L.

Report Date:

2012-03-01

Pagination or Media Count:

42.0

Abstract:

Russia provides Europe with less than a quarter of its natural gas requirements. Yet, it has used this resource to both coerce and punish European nations. Gas has become Russias foreign policy tool of choice. Although Europe has attempted to minimize Russias leverage by diversifying their suppliers, Russia has actively resisted this strategy with a combination of divide-and-conquer tactics and the acquisition or creation of gas pipelines that supply Europe. Due to a number of reasons, including environmental restrictions against CO2 emissions and a declining acceptance of nuclear power, the EUs need for gas is increasing while its limited organic gas sources, such as the North Sea, are depleting. Hydraulic fracturing is having an impact on the world natural gas markets, but it is unlikely to reduce Europes reliance upon Russias gas due to the procedures possible environmental impact.

Descriptors:

• *NATURAL GAS
• *RUSSIA
• ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
• EUROPE
• FOREIGN POLICY
• PIPELINES

Subject Categories:

• Fuels

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE