German energy security and its implications on regional security

Abstract

This thesis considers three notable developments in German energy policy: the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline project between Russia and Germany, the decision to phase out nuclear energy, and European Union (EU) and German renewable energy policy agendas. The thesis uses EU and German policy pronouncements, press reports, and third-party analysis to understand the three policy developments and assess their effects. It establishes a trilemma framework that relates energy security with other energy objectives as well as a liberal international relations (IR) theory framework to relate energy policy to broader security and stability objectives. Through an analysis of the three policy measures, the thesis depicts the challenges associated with pursuing energy objectives and highlights contradictions where measures intended to increase energy security can actually act to undermine it. Furthermore, it explores the complex relationship between energy security and overall regional security and stability. Using a liberal framework, it illustrates how policies established to improve energy security may act to undermine broader regional stability and security objectives.