Current Trends in International Relations Relating to Energy Policy and Law

The process of transitioning from a unipolar world to a multipolar structure has led to increased unfair competition for markets of energy resources, technology, and sources of economic and financial wealth. The North Atlantic Alliance, including the NATO Bloc, is using economic, political, legal, and military means to return to the era of colonialism in the economic, legal, cultural, technological, digital, and energy sectors. This is reflected in the ideas of legal exclusivity, setting price limits on oil and gas sales, imposing illegal sanctions against Russia and other countries, expanding its jurisdiction over the actions and decisions of third countries, and disconnecting countries and populations from digital services. At the same time, in the current contentious environment, the notion of sovereignty – the ability to make autonomous decisions in areas such as economics, law, digital technology, and energy based on national interests – is regarded as a valuable means of resistance. As a result, it is imperative to seek out, cooperate with, and coordinate efforts with partners on a mutually beneficial and respectful basis. Russia is increasing interaction and cooperation, including energy cooperation, with countries in Central and South-East Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, on platforms such as G20, BRICS, SCO, within the Arctic World Club, and others. These conditions provide opportunities for the development of the domestic market, investment in the country's economy, and the improvement of legal instruments in various sectors of the economy, politics, and law.