In other words, being a one-trick pony puts you in the unfavorable position in the long run. And with their current manner of doing world politics, it wouldn't be surprising if many of their customers feel relieved to say "More of your gas? No, thanks", eventually. What happens next and how Russia reacts, I dare not to forecast.
In the short and medium term, though, theirs could be seen as the rational position. From their point of view, it would behoove them to leverage their position as Europe's fuel pump, and use their influence to create a political climate that will benefit them once this period ends. They can also use the resources accumulated while they were the top-dog of the petroleum economy to ease their transition into the post-petroleum economy.
Of course, they will do neither of these. Mankind favors the grasshopper over the ant. Everything will end up in a bloody mess, and Malthus will gloat from the grave. How was your Sunday? Mine's going great!
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Date: 18/7/10 19:49 (UTC)In the short and medium term, though, theirs could be seen as the rational position. From their point of view, it would behoove them to leverage their position as Europe's fuel pump, and use their influence to create a political climate that will benefit them once this period ends. They can also use the resources accumulated while they were the top-dog of the petroleum economy to ease their transition into the post-petroleum economy.
Of course, they will do neither of these. Mankind favors the grasshopper over the ant. Everything will end up in a bloody mess, and Malthus will gloat from the grave. How was your Sunday? Mine's going great!