Introduction

Does Russian beneficial ownership explain why BP has caved to the Kremlin? Recent events in the dispute between British Petroleum and certain of it Russian shareholders illustrate that analysts must exercise great caution before issuing predictions about disputes where large sums of money are involved, especially during times of great political uncertainty. In an unexpected development, The Financial Times reported that BP entered into a settlement agreement with its Russian partners in TNK-BP that would allow BP to maintain its 50% interest in the Russian oil venture. BP's Board ...