The Geopolitics of Energy after the Invasion of Ukraine
Morena Skalamera
Abstract
The Geopolitics of Energy after the Invasion of UkraineLong-term changes propelled by the clean-energy transition-in the distribution of geopolitical power, the meaning of sustainable energy consumption, and the scope and character of interdependence-are transforming the global energy order.Dependence on new critical materials and metals-such as chromium, copper, germanium and lithium, all essential inputs for many clean energy technologies-reflects new patterns of asymmetrical interdependence and calls into question some of our assumptions about oil and gas as strategic goods.Among these changes, the critical materials at the heart of the clean energy transition are infusing the geopolitics of energy with new meaning: the rise of renewables is undermining Russia's position as an "energy superpower" at the precise moment that its relationship with Europe is being reshaped by its invasion of Ukraine. 1 Two decades ago, Russia's role as the world's largest producer and exporter of nearly every form of fossil fuel-oil, natural gas and coal-gave rise to the notion of Russia as an energy superpower. 2 This had great repercussions in the policy world and shored up President Putin's efforts to create the impression that