UAE: Putin majors in energy diplomacy

The belligerent, but judicious, projection of a revived Russian military machine and covert (digital and deniable human) resources have re-established Moscow as a major player in the Middle East and Africa – frustrating and sometimes baffling its western rivals in the process. But President Vladimir Putin’s emergence as an A-list world leader has also involved an adroit understanding of energy markets that has included the strategic investment in gas pipelines to supply – and influence – European markets, and efforts to protect Russian interests in fast-evolving global markets.