ABSTRACT

This article argues that in the contentious energy market of Central Asia transnational corporations (TNCs) and local governments are the real forces at play. While the European Union (EU) has repeatedly shown interest in the region, scarce profitability of the economic ventures and lack of control over the actual investors have resulted in a loss of interest. Deconstructing the EU energy security strategy towards Central Asia, this article reflects how TNCs formally based in Europe have used the ‘Shield of Nationality’ as protection from the blows of resource-rich governments, while remaining driven by capital accumulation. A case study of the Italian oil and gas company ENI in Kazakhstan highlights how the mediation of home governments between corporations and local administrations depends on its relationship with the TNC. The article suggests that future research of the energy sector should consider the role of TNCs and their ambiguous relationship with their ‘home countries’.

摘要

本文认为，在充满争议的中亚能源市场中，跨国公司 (TNC) 和地方政府才是真正的参与者。虽然欧盟 (EU) 一再表现出对该地区的兴趣，但经济企业的盈利能力不足以及对实际投资者缺乏控制导致兴趣丧失。本文通过解构欧盟对中亚的能源安全战略，反映了正式立足欧洲的跨国公司如何利用“国籍之盾”抵御资源丰富的政府的打击，同时保持资本积累的驱动力。对哈萨克斯坦的意大利石油和天然气公司 ENI 的案例研究强调了母国政府在公司和地方政府之间的调解如何取决于其与跨国公司的关系。