Igor Sechin vs Robert Walpole

Sechin negotiated a strategic partnership with ExxonMobil to explore and develop oil and gas resources in the Russian Arctic, including the Kara Sea. The deal, valued at up to $500 billion, was later suspended due to Western sanctions imposed after the Ukraine crisis.

Igor Sechin was appointed President and Chairman of the Management Board of Rosneft, Russia's state-owned oil company. He transformed Rosneft into the world's largest publicly traded oil producer by output, overseeing major acquisitions and expansion, while maintaining close ties to the Kremlin.

Sechin led Rosneft's $55 billion acquisition of TNK-BP, the third-largest oil company in Russia, from BP and the AAR consortium. The deal made Rosneft the world's largest publicly traded oil producer by output and solidified Sechin's influence in the global energy sector.

Following Russia's annexation of Crimea, the United States imposed sanctions on Rosneft and Sechin personally, freezing assets and restricting access to Western capital markets. The sanctions targeted Russia's energy sector, limiting Rosneft's ability to finance projects and acquire technology.

Walpole restored public confidence after the South Sea Company's collapse in 1720. He devised a plan to transfer company stock to the Bank of England and South Sea Company, stabilizing the financial system and protecting many investors from ruin.

Robert Walpole was appointed First Lord of the Treasury and Chancellor of the Exchequer in April 1721, following the South Sea Bubble crisis. He is widely regarded as Britain's first de facto prime minister, holding power for over two decades.

Walpole proposed an excise tax on wine and tobacco to replace customs duties and reduce smuggling. The plan faced intense public opposition and was withdrawn in April 1733. The failure weakened Walpole's political position but avoided widespread unrest.

Walpole resigned as First Lord of the Treasury on February 11, 1742, after losing a vote of no confidence in the House of Commons. His resignation marked the end of his 21-year tenure and established the precedent of a prime minister leaving office when losing parliamentary support.