Russia will maintain its energy stranglehold on Europe for decades

On Jan. 13, the US Senate voted against slapping sanctions on Nord Stream 2, a pipeline set to deliver Russian natural gas to Germany. The pipeline, which has been constructed but not yet opened, has figured prominently in this week’s stalled strategic talks between Russia, the US, and NATO. While few nations besides Russia are enthusiastic about the arrival of Nord Stream 2, there’s no clear alternative for supplying the continent with critical crucial gas.