Stanford Journal of International Relations
The Politics, Economics, and Security of
Middle Eastern Oil Supplies:
A Call for American Energy Independence
by Ariella Axler
M
odern era globalization has endowed
power in resource-rich countries, enabling
them to derive influence from the control
of vital commodities. Oil, one of the most crucial
goods, has therefore been used as a lethal weapon,
sparking harsh repercussions on the global economy
and political dynamic. The most recognized usage
of the “oil weapon” was the 1973 oil embargo. In
response to US military assistance to Israel during
the 6-day war, the Organization of Petroleum
26 • Fall 2011
Exporting Countries (OPEC) sought to exert political
pressure by declaring an oil embargo, raising the
price of a barrel by 70 percent and cutting production
in increments of 5 percent. Oil price shocks had
immediate economic effects, as the quadrupled price
of fuel led to recession, inflation, reduced productivity
and economic stagnation. The crises of the past
serve as testimony to the power of geopolicity, and
must prompt caution in the eyes of the international
community about the future of energy security.
Energy Independence
The Arab Spring Oil Rout
As civil unrest spreads throughout the Middle
East, fear of a new oil crisis has arisen. Beginning on
February 15, 2011, with protests in Benghazi, the world
witnessed the unfolding of the Libyan revolution.
The ensuing civil war between Qaddafi loyalists and
the “rebels” left the country ablaze- a haze of blood
and ash with over 25,000 buried in the remnants and
4,000 refugees who fled the bloody civil war. In the
midst of the anarchic insurgency, Libya’s 1.6 million
barrels per day of supply were taken off the market.
Since Libya is the globe’s 18th top petroleum
exporter, providing premium quality, low sulfur
oil, Libya’s immobilization had tangible impacts
on the international oil market. This global
shortfall will not see immediate compensation;
“OPEC officials, oil analysts, and Libya’s former oil
minister, Shokri Ganem, all agree that restoring
production to its previous levels will take years- until
2013 or 2014 at the earliest.”1
Along with Libyan turmoil, there are concerns
that an incident could unfold with Al Qaeda terrorists
roaming near Yemen’s Aden coast, where 40 percent of
the world’s oil supplies pass through. Any occurrence
of an attack on an oil tanker or disruption to the
transit of fuel in the region would result in devastating
consequences.
Energy Independence
The volatility of oil supplies reinforces the need
for energy independence. In order to reduce severe
market fluctuation, building up a stockpile reserve is
a necessity. After the OPEC embargo, in 1975, the US
established the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Yet, this
reserve is only a short-term solution; oil is a limited
resource, and cannot serve as a sustainable option
for the future. Seeking energy outside fossil fuels is
the most feasible means to absolute energy security.
US investment in alternative, renewable energy is the
first step to achieving a fruitful energy economy. The
benefits of investing in renewable energy sources are
manifold—spanning from increased global political
influence to job creation, and to cheaper energy prices. A
self-sufficient US energy sector would be advantageous
in relation to national security, and would be a lucrative
asset to revitalize the economy.
Endnotes
1 Lindsay, Greg. “How The Arab Spring Paved The Way For A DoubleDip Recession, And Why It Might Prevent The Next One .” Mon,
11/21/2011 | Co.Exist: World Changing Ideas and Innovation. Codesign.
com. Web. 21 Nov. 2011. <http://www.fastcoexist.com/1678446/howthe-arab-spring-paved-the-way-for-a-double-dip-recession-and-why-itmight-prevent-the-ne>.
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