Securitization Beyond Constructivism: How to Understand Petroaggression in the Era of Decarbonization
Securitization beyond Constructivism: How to Understand Petroaggression in the era of Decarbonization - Seminar Recap
The OHPA’s inaugural seminar was held on the 25th of January, 2024 and moderated by Dr. Thomas Fetzer, head of the department of International Relations at CEU. Dr. Alexander Etkind, the director of the OHPA, gave a talk about his research into “Petroaggression,” which refers to the link between a state’s hydrocarbon exportation and its militaristic ambitions. Dr. Etkind’s argument built upon his most recent publication “Russia Against Modernity” in which he focuses on the existential economic threat decarbonization poses to petrostates (nations which hydrocarbon exportation exceeds 10% of GDP) such as Russia and their subsequent retaliatory measures. These efforts include disinformation regarding climate denialism, electoral interference and outright expansionist efforts such as Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Dr. Etkind’s lecture discussed additional security implications for the EU and other states Russia perceives to be adversarial situated directly within the context of Petroaggression. Dr. Etkind explained the circular nature of Russia’s war against “modernity” itself, arguing its ambitions are antiquated insofar as its commitment to protecting its fossil fuel revenues and its Neo-imperialist actions which are designed to destroy any semblance of a modernized and independent Ukrainian society.
The seminar was attended by a mixture of CEU undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as a variety of academics both affiliated with CEU and other Viennese universities, as well as online attendees from around the world. The discussion that took place after Dr. Etkind’s presentation considered the broad economic, social and cultural characteristics which contextualize this particular phenomenon within Russia’s foreign policy platform. Additionally participants discussed how Dr. Etkind’s Petroaggression thesis specifically described Russia’s actions and the subsequent security implications regarding its economic reliance on hydrocarbons. Discussion participants raised considerations of other petrostates such as the Iranian-Saudi Arabian proxy conflict which serves as a counterfactual to the Petroaggression thesis as the conflict itself has more cultural than economic origins. However Dr. Etkind clarified that his specific research and findings were directed at Russia’s unique status and actions, and is situated within this specific context.
The full talk as well as the subsequent discussion is available to view on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/-MZ2jAPU9xc
