Filippos Proedrou

The EU–Russia Energy Approach under the Prism of Interdependence

Abstract This essay aims to analyse and interpret the EU–Russia approach in the energy sector under the prism of interdependence. It seeks to account for both the increasing cooperation among EU member-states and Russia as far as security of supplies is concerned, but also provides a sound explanation for the steady clashes between the two sides. For this reason, we use the terms sensitivity and vulnerability to refer to the position that each side holds on bilateral energy matters and, accordingly, to the actions it is capable of taking to resolve its problems. This model of interdependence provides a profound understanding of the bifurcated relationship between the EU and Russia and interprets both its cooperative and conflictive elements.

EU energy security in the gas sector : evolving dynamics, policy dilemmas and prospects

Contents: Introduction The global context and the strategies of the main importing states EU energy security: tracing the main threats, the policy framework and the actors The internal front Relations with Russia Relations with the other producers The way forward Bibliography Index.

Ukraine’s foreign policy: accounting for Ukraine’s indeterminate stance between Russia and the West

The paper is based upon the assumption that international relations theories are, and should be, complementary, not mutually exclusive. Hence, we instrumentalize insights from the realist, liberal, and constructivist schools of thought, incorporating systemic factors, state, and societal actors’ preferences and interests, and identity politics. We apply this model on Ukraine’s foreign policy. The interplay of the above‐mentioned factors accounts well for the country’s indeterminate stance between its two central foreign policy options, namely re‐alignment with Russia or incorporation into the West.

A new framework for EU energy security: putting sustainability first

ABSTRACT The EU energy strategy is hard-poised to ensure energy security for the Union, mainly due to its fixation on fossil energy imports. This paper argues that energy security can holistically be addressed only in case sustainability becomes a priority goal. Such a re-conceptualisation does not only pave the way for a radical restructuring of the energy systems in Europe that can cater for the EU’s energy needs in a sustainable way, but also theorises energy as a scarce resource that hence should be highly priced. On the basis of a thorough ecological tax reform, energy prices can convey accurate signals to households and enterprises and allow for a smooth function of the economy that is today frequently upset by energy price hikes and slumps. The paper aims to make a timely contribution to the current debate on the shape and priorities of the Energy Union by making a strong case for a re-ordering of priorities in EU energy strategy.

Reinforcing global legitimacy and efficiency: the case for strategic discursive public diplomacy

Although we have gone a long way from old to new public diplomacy, it is widely accepted that it underperforms. We thus aim to offer strong grounds for the term strategic discursive public diplomacy and to show how taking this path can fundamentally refocus and improve the practice of public diplomacy. Strategic refers to the need to refocus the thematic orientation of public diplomacy: instead of working predominantly on issues of culture and education, public diplomacy should focus on the mounting threats common for all. The discursive element boils down to a shift of public diplomacy towards fully explaining one’s policies and showing how they contribute to the delivery of global public goods. Strategic discursive public diplomacy, then, focuses on the principal issues of global politics and engages foreign publics in an open debate with the aim to communicate standpoints, but also listen and reply to potential counter-arguments. This becomes an important means in dealing with the accountability, trans...

Russia's Re-emergence in the Global System: Globalising or Anti-Globalising Force?

Globalisations advent is based on the dominant role of liberalism in the development and organisation of the world system. In both economic and political realms, liberal values and theories guide the process of globalisation. Todays neoliberal form of globalisation, however, is under attack nowadays. While attention is usually directed to anti-globalisation movements, this article examines Russias re-emergence in the global system and her impact on globalisation. It argues that, politically and economically, Russia acts principally as an ‘anti-globalising’ force. She rejects western style capitalism, and retains a strong role for the state in economic activities. She fights against US supremacy and works for the establishment of a multi-polar global system. In this attempt, Russia aims to establish a Russian-led regional zone in her near abroad, thus fortifying regional tendencies and countering globalising trends.

Prosumers: New Actors in EU Energy Security

This chapter critically analyses the new challenges and opportunities that prosumers, as new energy actors, bring to achieving energy security goals in the context of the European Union (EU). Following trends in the EU towards new levels of cooperation in energy governance, decentralisation, and the emergence of a ‘gig’ economy, the energy sector is currently undergoing a large-scale transition. One of its core aspects is the progressive top-down diffusion of potential, competences, and leverage across the energy value chain from states and corporate actors towards prosumers. While this trend creates ample potential for facilitating and improving the EU’s security of supply, as well as fulfilling its climate change targets, several caveats exist. These caveats are not confined within energy security prerogatives; they also extend to the critical management of digital security, which the digitalisation of energy services brings to the fore. Private and public finance should be effectively attracted and directed to infrastructure schemes that will enable a transition from the traditional centralised power network to the decentralised nexus of smart grids. Technology will play a crucial role in facilitating the role of prosumers in the new market in the making.

In quest for governance: the failures of regionalism, a pan-European security architecture and ‘bigemony’ in Black Sea Politics

Abstract The paper assesses Black Sea politics through the lens of regionalism as the path to a security community, the effects of an outdated and dysfunctional pan-European security architecture, and the shared hegemonic potential of Russia and Turkey in the region. Drawing from diverse strands of literature, the paper critically discusses integrative schemes and their circumscribed successes amidst a volatile pan-European security order and the poor prospects for ‘bigemony’, or shared hegemony, in the Black Sea region. It concludes that none of the following regional governance options, regionalism, or embeddedness in an integrated pan-European security or Russo-Turkish hegemony, has materialized. The paper also underlines the importance of the linkages between the Black Sea area and unfolding Middle Eastern politics for the evolution and study of Black Sea politics.

Designing a Steady-State Energy Policy

This chapter sets out a description of a steady-state energy policy. It begins with a close look at the implications of a steady-state monetary, trade, tax, and investment policy for energy policy. Drawing from developments in the current energy transition (e.g. proliferation of micro-generation, deployment of smart grids, and the emergence of prosumers markets), the analysis presents hard and soft pathways, and singles out pitfalls derived from the transition’s embeddedness in growth-driven policy frameworks. The discussion subsequently places these processes within a steady-state policy framework and shows how they can up-scale the transformation of energy systems. The discussion extends to policy prescriptions to maximize energy efficiency, essentially calling for a switch from a supply-side to a demand-side paradigm.

Ecological and Steady-State Economics: Principles and Policies

This chapter presents the ecological and steady-state economics theory, highlights the theory’s relevance for a climate-strained world, and juxtaposes it with growth orthodoxy. The analysis then addresses three policy realms (green auditing, monetary and trade policies), underlines the main fallacies underpinning mainstream policies in the respective fields, and suggests groundbreaking reforms. In particular, this chapter argues for a relatively constant monetary supply, a new trade regime that reverses contemporary patterns of extensive trade and prioritizes trade in ideas and the sharing of knowledge, and an ecologically informed index to replace monolithic gross domestic product (GDP) indices. These reforms represent key enabling factors for the switch to a steady-state energy policy.