12. Russia’s Energy Dominance
Russia has effectively leveraged its vast oil and natural gas reserves as powerful instruments of geopolitical influence, especially throughout Europe. By strategically controlling energy supply lines—such as gas pipelines traversing Ukraine and the Baltic Sea—Russia wields significant economic and political leverage, capable of shaping regional alliances and exerting pressure on neighboring states. Europe’s dependency on Russian energy has sparked concerns over energy security, prompting political tensions and strategic recalibrations. Moscow’s resource diplomacy, exemplified by disputes leading to supply disruptions, underscores how energy resources serve as pivotal tools in Russia’s broader ambition to restore and reinforce its global influence.
