The role of geo-energy interests of Russia in secessionist conflicts in Eastern Europe

Abstract

The abruption of the Soviet Union provoked a very unstable decade of decay for Russia, and created numerous conflicts in the post-Soviet space. Russia recovered influence at global and, mainly, regional level, after Vladimir Putin became president in 2000, and after the rise of the hydrocarbons' price. Energy policy played an indispensable role. For the Russian geo-energy interests, Eastern Europe, where several secessionist conflicts took place, leading to Russian political, diplomatic and military intervention, was crucial. This article examines and discusses the impact of Russian intervention in these conflicts, based on its geo-energy interests, particularly since Putin became president. The working hypothesis proposes that Russia's involvement in the three secessionist conflicts in Eastern Europe (Crimea, Donbass and Transnistria) has considerably benefited the many Russian geo-energy interests. [Received: December 22, 2017; Accepted: March 20, 2018]