This is a very timely study of Russia's development into a global energy power from the Russian Revolution to the present day. Beginning in the late nineteenth century, Russia emerged not only as a key producer but also as one of the world's leading exporters of oil. Russia's transformation into a modern global power was connected to its ability to make use of its vast natural resources and produce energy in increasing quantities. While the development of Russia's energy industry went hand in hand with a profound socio-political and economic transformation, the book also tells the story of international cooperation and competition, transnational exchanges, and transborder interdependencies. Through energy exports, Russia shaped global energy flows and connections; at the same time, the growth of international trade impacted the views and decisions of Russian leaders, affecting the fabric of the country's foreign relations and, ultimately, the course of Russian history.

'Russia and oil - there are few things on earth that attract more attention nowadays. With rare clarity, Jeronim Perović explores their intricate links and challenging interdependencies. Rigorous and engaging, this historical narrative opens an unusual but necessary perspective on the 21st century with its inequality, authoritarianism, climate crisis, and war.' Alexander Etkind, author of Russia Against Modernity
'Fuel and Power does a truly impressive job in narrating a dramatic century of Russian energy flows and their role in Russian and Soviet foreign relations. Perovic's authoritative synthetic account is a must-read for historians and analysts of current affairs alike.' Per Högselius, author of Red Gas: Russia and the Origins of European Energy Dependence
'An important and impressive book that provides a rich synthetic account of the role of energy flows in Russia covering the twentieth century and the first quarter of the twenty-first century … Perović does an excellent job in providing the Soviet perspective on the key decisions that resulted in the intensive economic engagement with Western Europe over the exploitation of its energy resources.' Roland Dannreuther, Slavonic and East European Review

Jeronim Perović is Professor of Eastern European History in the University of Zurich's Department of History. He specialises in the history of Russia and the Soviet Union, as well as the history of the Balkans. He is the author of several monographs, including From Conquest to Deportation: The North Caucasus under Russian Rule (2018), and the editor of several collected volumes, including Cold War Energy: A Transnational History of Soviet Oil and Gas (2017).