Specifics of Russian Energy Policy towards Japan in 2014-2023 (the Case of Gas Sector)

In the early 2010s, the Russia's stance in the global energy order, which had previously seemed unshakeable, was weakened by energy reforms in the European Union, the shale revolution in the United States and growing sanctions pressure in the aftermath of the Ukrainian conflict outbreak. These processes predetermined the emergence of the Turn to the East policy in the domestic energy sector. In this light, the gas industry seems to be a special case, since the need for geographical diversification of export flows was exacerbated by Russia's lag behind the major LNG producers, which could pose a substabtial blow to the country's energy security. Japan, due to the specifics of its priorities in the field of energy security and its strategy to expand influence within the Asian energy order, was complimentary about Russia's activation in the Asia-Pacific region. The commonality of approaches to energy policy implemenation allowed Russia to involve Japan in LNG initiatives on its territory and take steps towards the joint development of individual projects aimed at strengthening both sides in the structure of the regional energy order, even in spite of growing sanctions pressure. The set of specific features that characterized such interaction in 2014-2023 from the Russian perspective will be approached in the following research.