Power-Supply Geopolitics. The Dependence of European Economies on Imports of Fuels from Russia

Abstract

Abstract International relations (including those revolving around economic cooperation between states, or the economic dependence of one state on another) actually entail the development of a concept of power and its efficacy, interlinkage, and a systemic configuration. Geography’s input is, then, to place these issues within the space of economic activity and life, linking these to an analysis of resources. Geography also provides for the construction of models for the spatial relations between different actors. In turn, analysis from a geopolitical point of view, inter alia, involves itself in the study of dependency and power through reference to relations which entail domination, the exerting of influence, independence or mutual dependence, territorial integrity, development, political and social stability, and security (Dallanegra Pedraza 2010). Then there are the issues concerning the use of natural resources, as these affect relations between states, thus representing research topics for geography. Through the analysis of the interactions between variables which recall the aforesaid relations, it has here proved possible to construct models describing, or helping to account for, present-day world relations, characterised by dependence on fossil fuels (as raw materials supplying energy) which originate in Russia. This process makes use of available statistical data and reports, including ENERDATA 2021 and Key World Energy Statistics 2021, from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).