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, ...

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.