Energy Archipelago: A Case Study of Lithuania's Efforts to Gain Energy Security

Abstract

This monograph was always conceptualized as a case study of Lithuania and its role within the European arena of politics, but the question of how to refine such a broad subject and still prove its relevance outside the Baltic region remained elusive for a significant amount of time. After spending many weeks pouring over press releases from the Lithuanian Parliament, the President's office, and general European Union news reports it became quite clear that the most crucial issue facing Eastern Europe is national energy security. Unlike many other foreign policy matters, the problem of energy security is not simply addressed by foreign ministries, but rather it extends into industry, private investment areas, and the public sphere. It affects economic, foreign, and domestic policies to large degrees, and has a direct affect on the sovereignty of the states concerned. Adding to the complexity of this issue is the critical nature of the time table in . the Lithuanian case for finding a prompt and significant solution to achieving more stable national energy security. Given its complex circumstances, the solution to this desperate problem -especially for Lithuania -is elusive, and thus validated as a significant and arguably critical topic. Additionally, Russia's role as an increasing hemispherical energy power not only adds considerable obstacles to an already tangled issue, but indeed is a direct threat to the national security of its neighboring states. Eastern Europe will never cease to struggle with the goal of energy security so long as Russia continues to seek a resurgence of its hegemonic power through energy supply manipulation. For these reasons, I felt that the Lithuanian case warranted examination.

This SIP was made private at the request of the author. No distribution is allowed unless the author grants permission. SN 9/21/2009