Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book considers a realist approach which views energy as purely a geopolitical tool of the Russian state and assumes a 'one size fits all' approach to Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) energy security. It demonstrates that while a geopolitically driven analysis is not without merit – in particular in the case of Baltic Republics – the Kremlin-centred analysis overstates the strength of the leverage that Russia has had over these countries. The book reviews, domestically produced coal still plays a hugely important role. It discusses the surrounding issue of CEE energy security. The book demonstrates that, although, Russia has and will continue to play a substantial role in the CEE energy sector, the scope of its possible influence has been overstated. It covers, throughout the 1990s, most of the gas trade between Russia and Lithuania was conducted through intermediary companies.