ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the Russian oil pipelines that would largely determine the Russian future since its economy and its global role would largely depend on the energy exports that are mainly through the pipelines. Largely, however, Russia’s energy policies are devoid of pretentions for the noble self and friendship for the other. Business, like anywhere else, is the guiding star. A diametrically opposite view on Russia’s oil strategy holds that Russia leverages its energy to achieve its broad strategic goals. The oil pipelines would largely determine the Russian future since its economy and its global role would largely depend on the energy exports that are mainly through the pipelines. In April 2006, the main oil pipeline ‘Eastern Siberia-Pacific Ocean’ was launched. The Baltic Pipeline System, in the situation, seems to be the successor/replacement of Druzhba.
