Putin is threatening a "Strong Response" to the sanctions placed on Russia by the US. If Russia is to react strongly to US sanctions, what will be the outcome for US citizens? The US does not heavily rely on Russian oil and gas like Europe. Putin has given no response as to what his response might be, but if it causes the American citizens financial hardship, there may be a much more pressing issue on Biden's hands. The US is divided, and there are many people that are angry over COVID-19 related mandates and economic struggle. Adding more financial difficulty could cause more unrest in the US. In the past few years, we have seen violence caused by a divide in US politics. If more economic struggle is added to this already difficult situation, we may need to start planning for how the people in the United States are going to react. https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/02/23/russia-promises-strong-response-to-us https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/02/23/us-sanctions-russia-for-beginning-inv

While there have not been any protests over the major increase in the cost of energy as of right now, there is definitely historical, and recent precedent for it in Europe. While there were many societal factors that led to 2018's yellow vest movement, the tax on fuel that led to major increases in gas prices was one of them. People's businesses are struggling because of the pandemic and the added expense that the Nord Stream 2 freeze creates for the German people could lead to people losing their jobs and protesting the cost of living. When people are pushed to their limits and have few options, it can lead to crimes of necessity. Over 100 people were arrested during the yellow vest movement, how many people will be arrested in energy protests to come? How will the European corrections system handle this potential issue? https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/21/business/europe-power-gas-bill.html https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/yellow-vest-anniversary-what-hap

The ways in which Europeans are dealing with and have dealt with the energy shortages have varied. Prices for energy have been going up for years across Europe, and the ways people are combating high prices have been creative. From using wood-burning stoves to heat their houses to installing solar panels to take advantage of a free, natural source of energy, Europeans are trying many old and new methods to keep their lights on and house warm at a price they can afford. The energy shortage is not new to Europe, it has just been further strained by the Nord Stream 2 freeze. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/21/business/europe-power-gas-bill.html