  This paper provides the first comprehensive empirical analysis of the role of
natural gas for the domestic and international distribution of power. The
crucial role of pipelines for the trade of natural gas determines a set of
network effects that are absent for other natural resources such as oil and
minerals. Gas rents are not limited to producers but also accrue to key players
occupying central nodes in the gas network. Drawing on our new gas pipeline
data, this paper shows that gas betweenness-centrality of a country increases
substantially the ruler's grip on power as measured by leader turnover. A main
mechanism at work is the reluctance of connected gas trade partners to impose
sanctions, meaning that bad behavior of gas-central leaders is tolerated for
longer before being sanctioned. Overall, this reinforces the notion that fossil
fuels are not just poison for the environment but also for political pluralism
and healthy regime turnover.
