Description: The impact of the new 'Great Game' on Central Asia's energy reforms illustrates the interconnection between law, geopolitics and institutions.
Brief description: Anatole Boute is an Associate Professor at The Chinese University of Hong Kong specializing in energy law. He has extensive working and academic experience in the Eurasian energy markets (Russia, Central Asia, EU and China), including advisory work for the major development banks. He is the author of Russian Electricity and Energy Investment Law (2015).
Review Quotes: 'This book fills a substantial gap in our knowledge on the topic of energy security and reform of energy market structures in Central Asia, which has rarely been examined from the perspective of regionalism, law, political economy and geopolitics as one integrated theme. One of the core strengths of this very comprehensive survey of Central Asian energy is the highly thorough manner with which the author guides the reader through key phases of energy market reform, with special focus on the role of local judiciary systems. It also puts in the spotlight the limits of energy market liberalization as initiated by international donors and examines China's Belt and Road Initiative. Readers will benefit strongly from the author's firsthand knowledge of the subject matter in the Central Asian region and of his understanding of Russian (traditional) and Chinese (new) factors in local decision making processes.' Urban Rusnák, Ambassador and Secretary General of the Energy Charter Secretariat