Eurasian Natural Gas Pipelines: The Political Economy of Network Interdependence

Abstract

A noted American economist and specialist on the economies of the former Soviet Union presents the results of his research on the Eurasian network of natural gas pipelines. While the focus is on the political economy of network interdependence, the author covers in considerable detail the political significance of Russia's substantial market power and its efforts to enhance that power in 2007 and 2008. More specifically, he highlights Gazprom's role both as a supplier of natural gas to Europe and as the core of a monopoly controlling exports of natural gas from Russia and Central Asia by expropriating and/or blocking foreign ownership of natural gas reserves as well as production and transportation facilities in Russia. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: F100, F230, L950, P330, Q400. 11 figures, 1 table, 51 references.