Energy Nationalism and Related Articles

The article called “Energy Nationalism” talks about how governments around the globe have gained control of the majority of the world’s energy sources. These governments are now given the title of “petrostates,” which are big targets for terrorists. Not only this, but the petrostates are also using their energy resources to give them an edge in politics. Conflict is a huge concern over countries that are vying for the oil supplies. How far are countries willing to go to be the number one superpower in terms of energy resources? How quick will nations be to fight over these sources?

Russia is a major player in the list of countries that control energy resources. Vladimir Putin viewed the fall of the Soviet Union as a disaster, a view that is in opposition to the United States’ view. He sees energy resources as a major factor of Russia’s success today. Will this view of Russia’s president bring a cause for concern over possible conflict? In addition to Russia, will other nations be hostile towards the United States in terms of gaining power? Oil could definitely prove to bring conflict. Since the Arab oil embargo in 1973, the energy source has proven to have a strong hand in international politics.

A factor that could shift the desire for energy resources is the idea of renewable energy, such as solar power. A recent article on CNN talks about Bertrand Piccard who desires to use a solar plane to go around the world. In doing this, he wants to prove that solar power can replace fossil fuels. How will the potential use of solar power change the desire for energy sources such as oil? Will this decrease the possibility of conflict? Another article, from the New York Times, brings up the possibility of another possible energy resource, wind. Matthew L. Wald, the author, stated that by 2024 wind could be the primary source of energy for “30 percent of the electricity supplied in the eastern two-thirds of the United States.” This could seriously turn around any tension that may arise for energy resources. Aside from the possibility of a lowered possibility for conflict, will this prove to be an economically sound idea?

-Joe Siler