Impact of the oil and gas industry on human security : relation between the national and the human : case study: the Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Russia

Abstract

The oil and gas industry plays significant role in the economy and politics of the Russian Federation. Economic development is treated as providing national security. Therefore the oil and gas industry makes an important national interest. Arguments concerning national security issues are crucial in decision-making process. However, the people living together with industrial activities may have different vision of security. Human security focuses on people’s own perceptions of security and insecurity which are linked to realization of their values and interests. How can human security be identified through the interests and values of the local population in the context of oil and gas production? Do the interests of the state coincide with the interests and values of the local people? And how does this contribute to human security or insecurity? Case study: the Nenets Autonomous Okrug. UNDP Report 1994 vision of human security is used as analytical tool. Constructivism is an epistemological background for the thesis.