Three backgrounds -- The military reform that never happened -- The energy dividend that was too low--and has become too high -- The dream of a new "greatness" that has come truly false -- Deadlocked energy-security dilemmas -- The trickle of the oil money for the military -- Counter-terrorism and the Caspian oil games -- Alliance-building with virtual commitments and energy power -- Military muscle as the ultimate proof of "greatness" -- Virtually extended nuclear deterrence of the "great power" -- The army and power-projecting in the new "empire" -- Internal order and security in the "civilization" -- Energy power and the quest for "greatness" -- Applying the gas lever for qualifying as a "great power" -- Reconstituting the "empire" as an oil-and-gas cartel -- Hydrocarbon foundation for the "civilization".
Russia (Federation) - Politics and government, 1991-
Putin - Vladimir Vladimirovich, 1952-
Petroleum industry and trade - Political aspects - Russia (Federation)