RUSSIAN ENERGY HEGEMONY IN CENTRAL ASIA

Russia is one of the biggest natural resources producers in the world.
However, Russia involved in the development of Central Asian natural resources.
Russia wants to maintain security and stability in Central Asia to prevent any
problems that will make spillover effect in the region and harm Russia’s interest.
Stability in Central Asia will help with the oil import activity from Central Asian
countries to Russia. Russia wants to keep Central Asia in its influence not only for
energy security but also in other areas. Russia does not want the Central Asian
countries to have another pipeline route to other neighboring countries
This paper will analyze how Russia maintains its hegemony in Central
Asian energy through certain strategies. As former Soviet Union states, Russia
and Central Asia share the same history and culture. Strategic location of Russia
enables it to keep Central Asian countries dependent on Russian pipeline to
transport their energy. Many multilateral and bilateral agreements on energy
sector done by Russia and Central Asian countries.