Energy Cultures

Technology, Justice, and Geopolitics in Eastern Europe

Michael Carnegie LaBelle, Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences and Policy, and Department of Economics and Business, Central European University, Hungary

This thought-provoking book explores the concept of energy cultures as a means of understanding social and political relations and how energy injustices are created. Using Eastern Europe as an example, it examines the radical transition occurring as the region leaves behind the legacy of the Soviet Union, and the effects of the resulting power struggle between the energy cultures of Russia and the European Union.

'LaBelle's unique book is a herculean effort of research, writing and balancing the thin line of central European politics. Meticulously researched, masterfully written and politically just, this exciting new volume provides an important contribution to the literature on energy justice and transition in central and eastern Europe. This commanding work is relevant, interesting and a necessary read for all those interested in Europe's energy future.'
– Tina Soliman Hunter, Macquarie University, Australia

‘Michael Carnegie LaBelle’s book is a great contribution to understanding how societal values, norms and practices shape the physical energy realities in Eastern Europe. Energy Cultures points to a crucial aspect determining the unfolding energy transformation in the region, from everyday practices to geopolitics.’
– Andreas Goldthau, University of Erfurt, Germany

‘This is a welcome exploration into energy culture in Eastern Europe, and combines the unique and growing perspective of energy justice in the analysis. It is written by one of the most esteemed professors working in energy policy across Eastern Europe at this moment and will be of immense value for a whole range of interdisciplinary scholars. A highlight is the interactive analysis that focuses on Hungary, Poland and Lithuania and the energy challenges ahead!’
– Raphael Heffron, University of Dundee, UK

‘This book offers a novel and comprehensive perspective on the intersections among energy justice and political transformation in a part of the world that has experienced – and is continuing to experience – rapid economic and infrastructural change. It is a state-of-the-art resource for the wide range of scholars and practitioners interested in these topics, in the region and beyond.’
– Stefan Bouzarovski, University of Manchester, UK