Power and Influence: Russian Energy Behavior in Central Asia

Russian energy behavior is examined with regard to the oil, electricity and gas sectors in each of the Central Asian states, and each state's responses to that behavior. The contention is that the Central Asian states, in spite of disarray in the energy sectors, have attempted to develop strategies which treat energy as a strategically sensitive commodity, and account for Russia's interests while protecting their own. The adaptive capacity of the Central Asian states varies from state to state - but also from sector to sector, and the article examines why that has been the case. The analysis concludes with an exploration of how Russia's energy strategies in Central Asia may fit into the wider context of Russia's market and political strategies.