Asymmetric Interdependence and Wielding the Energy Weapon: Russia and the EU post Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has triggered a renewed focus on the use of energy as a geopolitical weapon. However, the experiences for oil and natural gas—Russia’s two main energy exports and the leading energy sources for the EU—have followed markedly different paths.

This review aims to assess how the concept of asymmetric interdependence—often applied to the EU-Russia energy relationship—may be used to explain the current situation.

We find that asymmetry in the trade relations in oil and gas explains why each party tried to weaponize a different resource, i.e., Russia—natural gas and the EU—oil. We also assess the complexity of exercising the energy weapon, explaining why each side’s initial assessment of apparent leverage has not necessarily resulted in the desired outcome.