Between Ideals and Realpolitik: Energy Cooperation Between Russia and Northeast Asia, 2000–2025.

Dissertationsprojekt von Timo Mohr

Betreuer: Prof. Dr. Andreas Renner

The book aims to shed light on the changes in Russian Japanese relations, Japanese energy policy, the Arctic policy, and energy policy of Northeast Asian countries in general. In short, it aims to reveal a new understanding of realpolitik in Northeast Asia that emerged in February 2022 and continues to evolve.
How has the Russian invasion of Ukraine 2022 affected energy cooperation and the geopolitics of Russia, Japan, China, and South Korea in Northeast Asia and the Arctic? Does it represent a turning point in energy cooperation or just a temporary ‘disruption’? How and where do the assessments of experts in business, education, and political spheres regarding this energy relation in Northeast Asia diverge?
The doctoral project is interdisciplinary, focusing on contemporary history and political science. It is highly topical: After all, in the run-up to the war in Ukraine, Russia deliberately expanded the Northern Sea Route off Siberia and can now (theoretically!) easily divert oil and liquefied gas to East Asia instead of to Western markets. How and whether this will succeed is the thematic framework of the project, which focuses on the context of Russian Japanese relations, without losing sight of Russia's other East Asian neighbors (PR China, South Korea). As case studies, the dissertation looks at two energy research clusters in Russia: one on Sakhalin Island and one in the Arctic. The Arctic LNG-2 project in the Far North represents Russia's potential to theoretically prosper in the east by using the Northern Sea Route. Strategically, the Sakhalin I and II energy clusters are well-positioned to serve Eastern markets. However, because of the war in Ukraine, those industrial complexes are currently dealing with serious issues. The PhD study is looking at how they remain utilized and perceived by Russian and non-Russian actors. Regarding the theoretical aspect, Christopher Dent, Amitav Acharya, and Mark Beeson developed the ideas of "Asian Regionalism," which form the theoretical foundation upon which the analysis is based.
To generate empirical evidence, interviews will be conducted with actors from economic, political, and academia spheres thar relate to and shape the development of Russian Japanese relations. Written source materials (official national strategy papers and Russian/Japanese newspaper articles around important events of the last 25 years) will also serve as source materials.