Evaluation

Abstract

Having presented the evidence collected on each of the four case study markets under review, it is now necessary to aggregate and discuss the findings while returning once again to the hypotheses, theory, methodology and accompanying central arguments as outlined in the first three chapters. Specifically, this chapter will discuss the relationship between price and dependence, to what extent differing government policy has determined import priority under the process- tracing mechanism shown in Figure 3, and how different utilities have behaved in arbitration. It will also return to the ‘energy weapon’ thesis, and how the evidence collected in earlier chapters supports the case for a broader understanding of how contracts and dependence structures can form part of an inconspicuous ‘weapon’ open to exploitation by dominant suppliers.