European Energy Security and Nord Stream: A Case Study of the Nord Stream Pipeline, Its Opportunities and Risks for Europe, and Its Impact on European Energy Security.

摘要

This thesis focuses on the implementation of energy security in Europe through the Nord Stream pipeline, and the controversy surrounding it. Nord Stream has been, and still is, highly debated across Europe because of the enormous opportunity it will give Europe -- access to the largest known reserves of gas worldwide -- and because of the risks involved. Nord Stream also provides Russia with an enormous opportunity. Russia may gain an advantageous position over Europe concerning its energy policies, thus raising the fears of Nord Stream's critics that Russia could use this leverage to promote its own position in political areas other than energy. It is, therefore, essential to analyze the opportunities and risks for Europe associated with Nord Stream, and to give thought to future means of European energy security that will assist Europe in maximizing its opportunities and minimizing its risks.