Abstract

In the existing body of energy security literature, there is a gap of material using theoretical frameworks to assess energy trade relationships from a quantitative perspective. In light of recent technological developments that unearthed large quantities of natural resources and the advancement of renewable technologies, this paper reemphasizes the growing acknowledgement of a shift in the international energy paradigm from one characterized by resource scarcity and monopolistic suppliers to a client-based, interdependent energy arena where market forces set the rules of energy trade. This study seeks to eliminate the distorting impact that political variables have had on perspectives of energy security that ascribe the indicator of ‘energy dependence’ to a proxy measurement for energy security. A theoretical model is produced based on the classic international relations theories of realism and liberalism, which is then applied to an analysis of energy security that uses insights from environmental, energy, and trade economics to understand energy security relationships. The model is then used to describe the case study of the European Union and Russian Federation in order to provide empirical highlights of this heavily interdependent energy relationship. The study concludes that liberalism can effectively describe the market-based side of energy security, while the suppliers of energy remain trapped in an outdated realist agenda that only serves to undermine its own long-term energy security interests.

Advisor

Krain, Matthew Dr.

Department

Global and International Studies; Political Science

Disciplines

Environmental Studies | International Economics | International Relations | Political Economy

Publication Date

2018

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

Download

Share

COinS
 

© Copyright 2018 David E. Wilson