The Energy of Russia

Hydrocarbon Culture and Climate Change

Veli-Pekka Tynkkynen, Aleksanteri Institute, University of Helsinki, Finland

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This timely book analyses the status of hydrocarbon energy in Russia as both a saleable commodity and as a source of societal and political power. Through empirical studies in domestic and foreign policy contexts, Veli-Pekka Tykkynen explores the development of a hydrocarbon culture in Russia and the impact this has on its politics, identity and approach to climate change and renewable energy.

‘Energy of Russia should be lauded for its theoretical and policy ambition, and substantive scope.’
– Boris Barkanov, The Russian Review

‘The book is well suited to those with interests in energy, governance and security. The author applies a number of methodological approaches to shed light on Russia’s energy power status, both at home and abroad. The book is suitable for students from a variety of disciplines, such as geography, economics and politics.’
– Diana Bozhilova, Europe-Asia Studies

Tynkkynen’s enjoyable text offers an essential contribution to the growing literature concerning the materiality of post-Soviet fossil politics, effectively revealing how hydrocarbons shape Eurasia’s entire geopolitical field: through their material properties, political scripting, and enrollment within multi-scalar political assemblages. In doing so, Tynkkynen presents a clear revisioning of domestic and international fossil power, alongside a potential road map to a more sustainable Eurasian future. If you study Eurasian natural resource politics, global hydrocarbon governance, or critical geopolitics more broadly, this compelling and timely text deserves a place in your library.’
– Jesse Swann-Quinn, Eurasian Geography and Economics

‘With a geographer’s eye for the importance of space and an eclectic theoretical toolkit, Tynkkynen provides fresh insights into the workings of hydrocarbon culture in Russia. This book’s analyses of the relationships between Russia’s dependence on fossil fuels and the science of climate change is especially interesting, not least because Tynkkynen offers his own perspectives—and concrete recommendations—on what it will take for Russia to move beyond hydrocarbon culture and embrace a renewable energy future.’
– Douglas Rogers, Yale University, US

“这迷人的旅程through Russia’s energy politics is a great read for those interested in Russia’s political developments and priorities. The book offers carefully documented insights into energy politics. At the same time, the broader picture – foreign policy consequences, challenges in the Arctic, prospects of climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the country’s future “green economy” – is always clearly and engagingly in view.’
– Elana Wilson Rowe, Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI), Norway

‘In this book, Veli-Pekka Tynkkynen provides a well-informed perspective on Russia as an energy superpower. Russia presents a formidable obstacle to efforts to tackle climate change, since its dependence on fossil fuels has become deeply entrenched in its domestic political institutions and foreign policy. However, by pointing to Russia's forestry resources and potential as a “green superpower”, Tynkkynen does show a possible way forward.’
– Peter Rutland, Wesleyan University, US