So the major obstacle to the development of new supplies is not geology but what happens above ground: international affairs, politics, investment and technology.
The Russians are turning east to the Chinese - to the Europeans' surprise. It always seemed to me that the relationship between Russia and China would shift from being based in Marx and Lenin to being based in oil and gas.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests a shift in the Russia-China relationship from ideological ties to economic dependency on energy resources.
In this quote, Daniel Yergin reflects on the evolving dynamics of the relationship between Russia and China, indicating that their connection, which has historically been influenced by Marxist and Leninist ideologies, is transitioning towards a more practical alliance centered around natural resources, specifically oil and gas. This shift may take many by surprise, particularly Europeans, as it indicates a realignment of geopolitical strategies based on economic needs rather than ideological affinities.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a political discussion about international relationships, one might say, 'As Yergin points out, the Russians are turning east to the Chinese.'
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