Publication

This paper examines how the Russian leadership has exploited its energy assets to advance its security interests in the vital East Baltic Sea region, focusing on Poland and the Baltic countries. The author argues that a triad of power comprised of former members of the military and security service, the siloviki; economic warlords, members of organized crime and rogue military personnel; as well as local elites in Poland and the Baltic countries have advanced Russia's security interests in the region. The paper concludes that the threat has been underestimated and needs to be adressed.