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  • November 2010 (Revised February 2013)
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Energy Security in Europe (A): Nord Stream

By: Rawi E. Abdelal and Sogomon Tarontsi
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:40
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Abstract

Russian and German energy firms initiated the Nord Stream natural gas pipeline project with strong political support from their home governments but encountered resistance from other states. Although the pipeline would connect Russia with Germany directly, the project was not simply a bilateral matter. First, a need to secure construction permits in multiple jurisdictions around the Baltic Sea involved other countries. And second, Germany's membership in the European Union entailed compliance with goals and values of the entire union, which stressed the imperative of collective action in energy matters and dangers of succumbing to "national reflexes." Thus the implications of the project became a matter of concern to the entire European Union but Europeans struggled to articulate the meaning of Nord Stream: was it a "separate peace" between Russia and Germany to the detriment of the rest, or was it a pan-European deal to the benefit of all? As the case chronicles, the success of Nord Stream depended on the ability of its creators to ensure that latter view prevailed over the former.

Keywords

Non-Renewable Energy; Leadership; Distribution; Business and Government Relations; Conflict and Resolution; Energy Industry; Russia; European Union; Germany

Citation

Abdelal, Rawi E., and Sogomon Tarontsi. "Energy Security in Europe (A): Nord Stream." Harvard Business School Case 711-026, November 2010. (Revised February 2013.)
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About The Author

Rawi E. Abdelal

Business, Government and the International Economy
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Related Work

    • November 2010 (Revised February 2013)
    • Faculty Research

    Energy Security in Europe (B): The Southern Corridor

    By: Rawi E. Abdelal and Sogomon Tarontsi
    • November 2010 (Revised February 2013)
    • Faculty Research

    Energy Security in Europe (A): Nord Stream

    By: Rawi E. Abdelal and Sogomon Tarontsi
Related Work
  • Energy Security in Europe (B): The Southern Corridor By: Rawi E. Abdelal and Sogomon Tarontsi
  • Energy Security in Europe (A): Nord Stream By: Rawi E. Abdelal and Sogomon Tarontsi
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