Geopolitics: Understanding Gazprom
Nicholas Perry, PES Ltd Russian military doctrine would encourage Gazprom to ‘think in 4-D’, to move swiftly, unexpectedly, and on multiple axes, to ‘condition the battlefield’ in its favour. To deliver tactical surprise, even when no strategic surprise is possible. To manoeuvre; to bypass resistance, to abandon units that have served their purpose, to avoid coalitions and drive wedges between opposing groupings. Can anyone doubt that, over the past year or so, it has been doing exactly these things ? Time taken to master this perspective may be well repaid. Will Gazprom succeed ? It cannot fail to have a measure of success, given the gas resources it commands and the premium currently placed upon gas. But a fall in oil and gas prices could be a serious setback. “Russia is never as strong as she looks; Russia is never as weak as she looks”, as Talleyrand is supposed to have said. The military perspective is just one of several that can be taken. But governments and companies can put themselves at unnecessary disadvantage if they ignore it. There Read more…
Categories: Academic Papers, Gas
Understanding_Gazprom_2006_pap.pdf 182.22 KBUnderstanding_Gazprom_2006_pres.pdf 2.03 MBSep
2006