Resource Nationalism In Russian Energy Policy In The Putin Era And Its Impact On The International Energy Security

Resource nationalism is not a new phenomenon, but it has become a key oil and gas market buzzword again in the 21st century. The resurgent resource nationalism of the 21st century has wider political and social drivers in addition to the traditional economic ones. Resource nationalism has been a catalyst for the rapid rise of prices for oil and other commodities in the first decade of the 21st century. Resource-rich nations shift political and economic control of their energy and mining sectors from foreign and private interests to domestic and state-controlled companies. One of the most high-profile cases is Russia’s Yukos Affair. The Kremlin’s attack on YUKOS is a watershed event which means the renationalization of the Russian oil sector.Resource nationalism in Putin’s energy policy is reflected in all phases of energy production, from its extraction to its transportation and its destination. By controlling a great share of the resource rent from energy resource, Putin ensured domestic stabil-ity and geopolitical influence. Domestic stability is dependent on ensuring that the economy lifeblood—the energy sector—do not controlled by the oligarch who inter-ested in politics. Geopolitical influence is dependent on controlling the majority of Eurasian gas and oil export pipelines, and strengthening the Russian influence over Central Asian energy producers. Resource nationalism is not Russia’s long-term strategy, but the production in special time. It is changing with the changing of inter-national and domestic situation. In the forthcoming years Russia will liberalize the energy markets, especially after accession to the WTO.