SECURING ENERGY INTERESTS: HOW TO PROTECT ENERGY SECTORS IN BULGARIA FROM RUSSIAN MANIPULATION

The Russian government has manipulated distribution of its non-renewable energy supplies to its advantage and to the detriment of bordering states. NATO and the EU lack the focus to counter this energy threat even among their member states. Bulgaria may be the most vulnerable to Russian influence and, as a member of both organizations, requires greater assistance to break its Russian energy shackles. The research analyzes the history of Georgia and Ukraine, with specific emphasis on the 2008 Russo-Georgian War and the current Ukraine Crisis, to reveal how Russia uses dependence on its petroleum reserves to gain a marked advantage over both states. Next, the research compares the two conflicts to the current energy situation in Bulgaria, delves into similarities and differences, and proposes solutions to NATO and the EU for countering Russian manipulation of non-renewable supplies to Bulgaria. The research finds that, while Russia has not recently been in direct conflict with Bulgaria as it has in Ukraine and Georgia, Bulgaria has tremendous vulnerabilities in its energy sector and requires quick intervention by the EU and NATO to increase its energy security. The stronger Bulgaria’s energy sector, the stronger the EU and NATO's influence will be in the Balkans and throughout Europe.http://archive.org/details/securingenergyin1094564051Major, United States ArmyApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited