The Dimensional Logic of Economic and Energy Diplomacy: A Study of Interdependence and Competition for Power
Author : Alexandra-Ștefania Dinulescu 25/12/2025
Article ABSTRACT
Nowadays, the foundations of international relations have been redefined, changing from the power of military dominance to the calculated use of economic and energy diplomacy as tools. This article presents the growing relations between economic and energy diplomacy, arguing that energy diplomacy is a sectoral part of economic governance within the vast reality of global interdependence. To explore this relationship, the research revolves around three questions: What are the shared elements of economic and energy diplomacy? How is each element manifesting across the two spheres? How does the interdependence of the elements allow states to transform economic interdependence into geopolitical power?
In order to answer these questions, this article characterizes energy and economic diplomacy by identifying five shared dimensions: context, tools, actors, theatres, and processes. These dimensions connect the two concepts and reveal their strong interdependence, but also their sectoral differences. Finally, the paper shows that understanding energy diplomacy through the bigger vision of economic diplomacy can provide a clearer exploration of how states transform economic interdependence into power in the 21st century of global competition.
This study follows the transformation of economic diplomacy, from its traditional, state-oriented model to the new, multidimensional system that incorporates finance, trade, regulations, and technology. It proves how modern economic diplomacy can be both offensive and defensive by expanding national influence through cooperation and market integration, while also managing the vulnerabilities in finance, trade, and resources.
Key words: Diplomacy, Economic, Energy, International relations, States, Power, Security
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.55367/OBRD8971