Energy Security & Energy Independence

The terms "energy security" and "energy independence" are imperative to understanding internaitonal energy politics. Energy security is the ability to ensure the uninterrupted availability of energy at an affordable price. Energy independence goes beyond energy security by emphasizing that an uninterupted availability of energy must be achieved while maintaining sovereignty and independence in one's foreign policy. For example, Germany prior to the Ukraine War achieved energy security, as Russian gas was readily available. However, Germany did not achieve energy independence, as its dependence on Russian gas forced it to adopt a more conciliatory policy towards Russia.