Publication |
2014.
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Summary/Abstract |
Recent events in Ukraine have brought America's growing energy independence and its resulting geopolitical influence into sharp relief. Almost immediately after Moscow invaded Crimea, leaders on both sides of the Atlantic began urging Washington to strengthen its allies and weaken Russia's dominance by deepening its energy ties to Europe. In a letter sent to House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, the ambassadors from Poland, Hungry, the Czech Republic and Slovakia called on the United States to strengthen its "gas-to-gas competition" to enhance European energy security.1 President Obama echoed their call: "Energy is obviously a central focus of [American and European] efforts" vis-à-vis Russia.2 The United States has an opportunity to use its newfound energy assets to shape the political chessboard in ways unforeseen just a few years ago.
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