Impact of Geopolitical Weaponization of Energy on Sustainability Policies of Sociopolitics, Environment, and Economy

Abstract

Energy has long been used as a tool of foreign policy. It has been progressively interlinked with geopolitical relations being shaped by a multitude of factors such as market competition, geopolitical tensions, and regulatory frameworks. With energy diplomacy being increasingly evident in contemporary geopolitical relations as it utilizes energy resources and trade to achieve foreign policy objectives, this thesis tackles the implications that energy weaponization has on sustainability policies. Energy sustainability is one of the three energy policy objectives of any state. This research includes the analysis of the three policy objectives discussed in the ‘Impossible Energy Trinity’ that presents the tradeoff that states face between energy security, sovereignty, and sustainability.

The included case study showcases the intersectionality of energy weaponization in policy making on economic, societal, and environmental levels and its implications. It is focused on Russia and the events that led to its current politically volatile nature as an energy producing and exporting state. The Russian invasion of Ukraine case is explored from the scope of the energy trinity which includes energy security, energy sovereignty, and energy sustainability in assessment of its current status. Accordingly, the impact of energy weaponization will be detailed though a particular focus on energy sustainability in Russia and the region. In order to assess this impact on energy sustainability, the three pillars of sustainability implicated will be discussed in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The subsequent policy differences within each of the three pillars are assessed over the period beginning with the Russian invasion of Ukraine on the 24th of February 2022 until January 2024.