Germany, Russia, and the Rise of Geo-Economics: A Complex and Evolving Relationship

Germany and Russia have a long and complex history, marked by both cooperation and conflict. In recent years, the relationship between the two countries has been strained by Russia's annexation of Crimea and its ongoing support for separatists in eastern Ukraine. However, economic ties between Germany and Russia remain strong, and Germany is Russia's largest trading partner in Europe.

Germany, Russia, and the Rise of Geo-Economics

by Stephen F. Szabo

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3504 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	201 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

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The rise of geo-economics has added a new dimension to the relationship between Germany and Russia. Geo-economics is the use of economic power to achieve political goals. In recent years, Russia has increasingly used its energy resources to exert political influence over its neighbors. This has led to concerns in Germany and other European countries about their dependence on Russian energy.

The Nord Stream 2 pipeline is a major source of tension between Germany and Russia. The pipeline, which would run from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea, would double the capacity of the existing Nord Stream pipeline. Critics of the pipeline argue that it would increase Germany's dependence on Russian gas and give Russia more leverage over Germany.

The German government has defended the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, arguing that it is a commercial project that will benefit both Germany and Russia. However, the pipeline has been delayed by political disputes and is now unlikely to be completed before 2022.

The relationship between Germany and Russia is complex and evolving. The rise of geo-economics has added a new dimension to the relationship, and it is unclear how this will play out in the future. However, it is clear that the relationship between the two countries will continue to be important for both sides.

Germany's Economic Dependence on Russia

Germany is heavily dependent on Russian energy. Russia is Germany's largest supplier of natural gas, accounting for about 55% of Germany's total gas consumption. Germany is also dependent on Russian oil, which accounts for about 35% of Germany's total oil consumption.

Germany's dependence on Russian energy has made it vulnerable to Russian political pressure. In 2006, Russia cut off gas supplies to Ukraine in a dispute over gas prices. This led to a sharp increase in gas prices in Germany and other European countries.

The Nord Stream 2 pipeline would increase Germany's dependence on Russian gas. However, the German government has argued that the pipeline is necessary to meet Germany's growing energy needs.

Russia's Political Influence in Germany

Russia has used its economic power to exert political influence over Germany. In recent years, Russia has increased its funding of political parties and think tanks in Germany. Russia has also used its control of energy supplies to pressure Germany on political issues.

In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine. This led to a sharp deterioration in relations between Russia and the West. Germany was one of the countries that imposed sanctions on Russia in response to the annexation of Crimea.

Despite the sanctions, Russia has continued to exert political influence in Germany. In 2017, German Chancellor Angela Merkel met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an attempt to improve relations between the two countries. However, the meeting did not produce any concrete results.

The Future of the Relationship between Germany and Russia

The future of the relationship between Germany and Russia is uncertain. The rise of geo-economics has added a new dimension to the relationship, and it is unclear how this will play out in the future. However, it is clear that the relationship between the two countries will continue to be important for both sides.

Germany needs Russia's energy resources, and Russia needs Germany's market for its energy exports. However, the relationship between the two countries is also complicated by political differences and mistrust. It is unclear how these differences will be resolved in the future.

Germany, Russia, and the Rise of Geo-Economics

by Stephen F. Szabo

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3504 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	201 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE