Soviet and Russian foreign energy policy: Comparative analysis

The article offers a comparative description of Russia’s energy policy during the Soviet period and afterwards. In this context, the emphasis is given to the foreign policy. A certain continuity of modern Russia’s foreign policy course is considered. At the same time, attention is drawn to the development peculiarities of the energy sector as of the most important economic sphere during the post-Soviet period in terms of the changed political conditions and increased turbulence in the framework of international relations. The author attempts to draw comprehensive analysis of internal and external factors influencing Russia’s energy policy. The article is based on various information sources, both Russian and foreign, including statistical data from international organizations. All of this helps to better understand the motivation behind Russia’s political decisions in the energy sector, and therefore to facilitate the search for new potential forms and opportunities for international cooperation. © 2019, Statistical Economic and Social Research and. All rights reserved.