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A Primer on the Geopolitics of Oil
Article

A Primer on the Geopolitics of Oil


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Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Analytical
  • Background
  • Concrete Examples

Recommendation

Oil keeps the world economy going. Hence, having control over oil reserves and leverage over global oil prices translates into geopolitical clout. Political economist Anand Toprani takes an in-depth look at the complex political and economic facets that make oil a unique commodity. His essay will be of interest to anyone interested in the politics of oil.

Take-Aways

  • As the world’s most significant energy source, oil plays a critical role in global geopolitics.  
  • Because national economies are oil-dependent, governments are highly involved in regulating, restricting, and in some cases subsidizing or fully controlling the production and export of oil. 
  • Net importers of oil like China strive to achieve “energy independence” by limiting themselves to a few reliable suppliers.

About the Author

Anand Toprani, PhD, is a specialist in energy geopolitics and political economy at the US Naval War College.