Natural gas as a modern weapon? The case of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

Natural gas is seen as a suitable transition fuel to make the transition to more sustainable energy sources possible. However, domestic production in several countries is declining. This had led to governments working on safeguarding their security of supply and therefore getting increasingly dependent on international projects. One of the international projects established to make up for the declining domestic production is the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Several countries have however expressed their dissatisfaction on the pipeline and believe that the project is politically motivated. The discussion on the project has been on the forefront of international relations over the years. Many observers and scholars have written about the negative implications it could have. But despite the many negative views, some countries still participate. This thesis explores why the pipeline is economically and politically beneficial for the country that is directly connected to it: Germany. Germany...Show moreNatural gas is seen as a suitable transition fuel to make the transition to more sustainable energy sources possible. However, domestic production in several countries is declining. This had led to governments working on safeguarding their security of supply and therefore getting increasingly dependent on international projects. One of the international projects established to make up for the declining domestic production is the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Several countries have however expressed their dissatisfaction on the pipeline and believe that the project is politically motivated. The discussion on the project has been on the forefront of international relations over the years. Many observers and scholars have written about the negative implications it could have. But despite the many negative views, some countries still participate. This thesis explores why the pipeline is economically and politically beneficial for the country that is directly connected to it: Germany. Germany has been focusing on promotion of investment and sustainable growth over the years. The energy transition is one of the most important factors with regard to this. In this specific case, the pipeline is predicted to provide gains for Germany as it helps with the transition. The government regards the pipeline as a purely commercial project, which plays an important role in safeguarding security of supply and in the energy transition in their case. The concerns risen by other countries are not considered a risk on a national level. Germany is able to act as a buffer between Europe and Russia, which it has always done throughout history and can therefore also mediate for third parties.Show less

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Natural gas as a modern weapon? The case of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.