Global Energy and Security Cooperation between U.S. and Russia

Recently, U.S. and Russia relations changed in a fundamental way. The U.S., recognizing mutual benefit, has increased its cooperation on the major international issues of energy security and climate change. Russia opened its door for U.S companies to participate in research and exploitation of energy resources.

Russia and the U.S. hold important roles in ensuring global energy security. Russia is a supplier of energy resources for Europe and its sphere of influence. America is a global economic and political superpower, and the biggest energy importer. Oil and gas are currently the main sources of global energy. The main customers for these energy sources are industrialized countries and rapidly developing countries with large economies, such as China and India. Energy demand will increase along with the threat to energy security.

Energy cooperation between Russia and the United States is necessary; it maintains energy security worldwide. Without this cooperation, high oil prices could cause another energy crisis and further prolong the financial crisis.

One other important factor affecting relations between Russia and U.S is the struggle to influence world energy prices. The U.S. reduces its dependence on imported energy by discovering reserves of natural gas and searching for new energy sources. To maintain and control oil prices in world markets, the U.S. uses economic sanctions and exerts political pressure on all oil exporting countries to export at a low price to the U.S.

Global energy security is a systemic problem. To solve this problem satisfactorily, there should be cooperation between all energy producing, importing and brokering countries such as Russia, the U.S., China, India, EU members, and Arab countries. To gain such broader cooperation, first Russia and America must cooperate in terms of energy as well as within a joint strategic partnership.

The U.S. and Russia need to set up a joint working group in the energy sector and create agreements and regulations to establish stability in terms of energy strategies, with the involvement and participation of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defense, Energy, and Trade. In addition, meetings between the presidents and the National Assembly and Congress as a joint committee are important to ensure the implementation and cooperation within international laws.

For Russia, the development of international relations in the energy area will be key tasks. This is not just a matter of economic development and consolidation of political position for Moscow. It must bear global responsibility to ensure balance and stability in the energy sector worldwide. Russia and the United States should promote dialogue on energy issues and call for other energy countries to be involved. This action not only reflects the economic interests and political influence of the two countries, it also creates the necessary conditions to address issues of global energy security.