THE EVOLUTION OF ENERGY WEAPONS: FROM THE MIDDLE-EAST CRISES TO THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR
THE EVOLUTION OF ENERGY WEAPONS: FROM THE MIDDLE-EAST CRISES TO THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR

Summary/Abstract: There are many examples in history when an energy weapon – sharp reduction or cessation of energy supplies – was used by exporting countries as a means of pressure on other states. The Arab oil embargo of 1973 left the greatest effect from such an application and, accordingly, a trace in history. However, today’s events of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine allow us to say that energy weapons have evolved and are ready to «shoot» with even greater power. This article demonstrates the evolution and transformation of energy weapons in the period from the events in the Middle East in the second half of the 20th century to the Russian war against Ukraine in 2022. It is illustrated how the source of economic danger for Western Europe changed – from the arab oil-exporting countries to Russia. Regularities and prerequisites are established under which exporting countries resort to energy blackmail. The author highlights the goals, as well as the methods of exporting states, in particular the USSR/Russia, in conducting energy wars.

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