Vladimir Putin on Russian Energy Policy(Dissertation before becoming President)

Could Russia contribute to America’s energy security? In the wake of the Yukos affair, doubts have been raised about the country’s business climate, growing government intervention in key sectors of the economy, and Russia’s reliability as a partner in strategic economic sectors. Given the high stakes involved, it is imperative to read Russia “right.” With the world’s largest deposits of natural gas and third-largest proven reserves of oil, Russia has the potential to make a major contribution to global supplies. Unfortunately, at a time when attention should be focused on an accurate evaluation of the extent of Russia’s reserves and the challenges of getting Russian oil and gas to world markets, many discussions still focus on political risk.

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From Russia with love?

While the bullying of smaller, weaker countries has been a feature of the international system since communities organised into states, it is imperative to determine who started the war in Georgia in order to chart where this conflict is heading. Mikhail Saakashvili, the Georgian president, blames the Russians for starting the war by amassing great military power on the border in the beginning of August while he was in Italy.

But many reckon the ambitious pro-Western Georgians started the military escalation and timed it as international media attention was focused on the Olympic games in Beijing.

Saakashvili's "foolishness", says the Economist, has backfired.


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