Although the current geopolitical stability of Europe is not solely the responsibility of Russia, the Russian government must restrict the negative ways in which it interacts economically with the rest of Europe because it is unjust, strains international ties and jeopardizes the stability of the region.
Works Cited
"Russia shuts off gas to Ukraine" BBC World News January 1st 2009
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7806870.stm>
First reports out of Europe the day that Russia shut off gas to Ukraine and the resulting initial speculation about the event. Most of this article is merely first hand reports of the cut off with some basic introduction in the conflict and information pertaining to logistics of both the Russian and Ukrainian side of the conflict. Reactions from various leaders and reactions are also included.
"Ukraine accused of stealing gas" BBC World News January 2nd 2009
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7808465.stm>
Second report from the BBC on the Russian natural gas issue is reported in this article. More in depth information containing the specifics on Russia's claims as well as more logistics and a formal response from Ukraine is given in this report. Possible solutions and compromises are speculated at the end.
Nadejda M. Victor. Russia's Gas Crunch, The Washington Post. Thursday April 6, 2006:A29
<http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/05/AR2006040501954.html>
This report of the 2006 natural gas price hike that Russia imposed onto Ukraine is this article. Written 3 months after the actual incident this article provides a great overview of the issues leading up to price hike all the way back to the early 1970's as well as potential reasons why the price hike was suggested. This article also gives in depth analysis on the implications both short and long term that may result from this price hike.
Dr. Andreas Heinrich. International implications of increased state control over the Russian oil and gas sector. Eastern European Day 2006,"Russian Challenges – Between Freedom and Energy". 23 June 2006
This was originally part of a presentation given at a summit meeting for Eastern European day. This short summary of the presentation given outlines the current state of eastern European energy supplies and demands. Four main issues are outlined here, Corporate governance (The ability for a company to be influenced directly by the government and the resulting power issues), Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Internationalization and energy security. This only outlines topics presented at the meeting but it delivers some key concepts necessary for understanding the energy issue.
CIA World Fact Book (Russia information page updated March 19th 2009)
<https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rs.html>
The CIA World Fact Book is a resource containing data sheets and information gathered by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in the USA. Information provided is approved by the CIA and is free for the public to use.
CRS Report for Congress Russian Natural Gas: Regional Dependence. January 5th 2007. Bernard A . Gleb
This CRS report meant for congress to make better decisions regarding international issues outlines the geopolitical situation in Eastern Europe and it's relations with Russia. Basic census information collected by the Energy Information Administration of Southeaster European Country Analysis Brief.
CRS Report for Congress Russia's Cutoff of Natural Gas to Ukraine: Context and Implications, February 15th 2006. Jim Nichol and Steven Woehrel
This CRS report outlines the issue in January 2006 where Russia strong armed Ukraine to pay an exorbitant price increase for natural gas. It details specific implications for countries, the region and the United States. A detailed background including specific data on amounts of natural gas in the region is included as well as an overview of the 2006 gas shutoff issue with an very substantial analysis of the event as it pertains to each nation involved, including the United States.
"Andrew E. Kramer" Russia cuts off gas deliveries to Ukraine. International Herald Tribune January 2nd 2009
Another analysis of the natural gas cut off is presented in this article. This article provides slightly more background with specific implications to other nations. Reactions and statements are provided from Russia's leader as well as prominent figures in the Ukrainian government. The article provides specific reasoning's for the cut off and analyzes it in context to the 2006 shutoff.
The Economist print edition (online). Gasping for gas. January 15th 2009.
<http://www.economist.com/world/europe/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12953847>
This article from the Economist details the Russian gas cut off not from the broad geopolitical standpoint but rather from a bottom up perspective looking at specific instances where the shut off has harmed local governments and business throughout the region. An interesting perspective from Bulgaria and Slovakia is given here, outlining plans that the smaller states may have to reopen nuclear power plants due to the decreased reliance on the natural gas that is sent their way via Russia-Ukraine's pipeline.
Richard E. Ericson. The Post-Soviet Russian Economic System: An Industrial Feudalism?.
Institute for Economies in Transition No.8 2000
This article provided from BOFIT online outlines the current Russian economy and compares it to the economy of the Soviet Union. Stark distinctions are given between the fundamental nature of both economic structures and the way they both served the societies for which they were created. Most of this article is out of the scope of the paper, however portions related to the current economic system are useful for understanding how Russia got to its current state.
Allen C. Lynch Roots of Russia's Economic Dilemmas: Liberal Economics and Illiberal Geography. Europe-Asia Studies, Vol. 54, No. 1 (Jan., 2002 Pages(31-49)
<http://www.jstor.org/stable/826216>
This paper outlines more of Russia's current economic situation stating some important facts that are reiterated in other paper. This paper also gives specific reasons for the current downfall of the Russian economy. Only a few excepts are taken from this paper including statistics on page 32, and information on Russia's economic info-structure on page 38 are related.
Qatar News Agency Russia/ Ukraine reach deal to resume gas supplies to Europe January 18th 2009
This article describes the final deal that ended the gas shutoff in January 2009. Specifics on the agreement are given in this article. No specific details about the talks are given here other than direct quotes from the Ukrainian government officials. The article states that once these talks were finished and all the paperwork was finalized gas serviced as resumed to Ukraine and thus the rest of Europe.
John Stern. Security of European Natural Gas Supplies: The impact of import dependence and liberalization. The Royal Institute of International Affairs. July 2002 Page (1-36)
This report to the Royal Institute of International Affairs gives a very complete overview of the specific issue of natural gas security for all of Europe. Breakdowns between needs of countries from different regions as well as specific histories and current relations between all involved parties are given. The detail in this report is very complete. Interestingly because this report was released four years before the gas shut off in 2006 much of the information regarding the security risks associated with Russia's control of much of the natural gas supply is non-existent.
Elizabeth Brainerd. Winners and Losers in Russia's Economic Transition .The American Economic Review, Vol. 88 No. 5 Dec., 1998, Pages (1094-1116)
This article reviews much of the economic problems and victories that have been created, or resolved due to the collapse of the Soviet Union. While most of this article was out of the scope of this project it did give sufficient background on Russian economics to understand the reasoning behind why Russia would propose these types of actions against its neighboring countries.
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