Analyzing the Impact of Geopolitical Implications of Gas Dependency on the European Union and Russia Due to the Ukrainian Conflict

Abstract

The European Union (hereinafter EU) has grown more reliant on Russian gas in recent decades. Multiple geopolitical disputes in Ukraine simultaneously affected gas relations and placed the country's independence under stress. This chapter aimed to examine the connection between reliance and geopolitical conflicts. This fascinating relationship was given a fresh perspective by examining it in the context of the interdependency and asymmetry theories. A unique case study, an abductive research method, was used to approach this challenge. As a result, the geopolitical problems in Ukraine are utilized to explain how reliance and conflict relate to one another. The primary factors examined were trade, reliance, and sanctions. According to the analysis, there is a significant connection between an actor's economic and political goals and how they affect reliance. It can be concluded that there is a connection between the geopolitical unrest in Ukraine and the EU's reliance on Russian gas.