Russian Energy Transit Policy in the Baltic Sea Region

This article critically analyzes Russia’s ‘aggressive’ nationalist energy transit policy in the Baltic Sea region to offer an alternative understanding of the consequences for the Baltic states. Four case studies will be used to analyze Russia’s energy transit policy in the Baltic Sea region. First, the 2003 closure of the oil pipeline in the port city Venstpils in Latvia, second, the closure of the Druzbha oil pipeline in Lithuania in 2006, third, the construction of the Nord Stream pipeline, and finally, the construction of new Russian ports in Ust-Luga and Primorsk. The case studies will be carried out using a theoretical framework based on Alexander Wendt’s constructivist works as well as David Lake’s works on hierarchy in international relations. This article concludes that Russia has accepted the fact that the Baltic states were not willing to enter into a hierarchical relationship and that Russia recognizes the Baltic states as independent neighbours. While this does not improve the energy security situation for the Baltic states, it does suggest progress in the normalization of Baltic-Russian relations which could lead to an improved security environment in the future.