Oil Politics and the Capacities of American Government: Cornell Studies in International Affairs

Oil is a global commodity that has played a major role in international relations for over a century. The United States is the world's largest consumer of oil, and its dependence on foreign oil has had a profound impact on its foreign policy and domestic politics.

Reasons of State: Oil Politics and the Capacities of American Government (Cornell Studies in Political Economy)

by G. John Ikenberry

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2120 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	293 pages
Hardcover	:	358 pages
Item Weight	:	1.87 pounds
Dimensions	:	7.8 x 0.94 x 10.47 inches

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This article explores the complex relationship between oil politics and the capacities of the American government. It draws on a wide range of sources, including historical documents, political science research, and interviews with policymakers and industry experts. The article argues that oil politics has had a profound impact on the development of the American state, and that it continues to shape the country's foreign policy and domestic politics today.

The Early Years of American Oil Politics

The United States first became a major oil producer in the late 19th century. The discovery of oil in Pennsylvania in 1859 led to a boom in the industry, and by the early 20th century, the United States was the world's leading oil producer.

The rise of the American oil industry had a significant impact on the country's foreign policy. The United States began to intervene in Latin America and the Middle East to protect its oil interests. In 1913, for example, the United States invaded Mexico to support a pro-American government.

The United States also began to develop a close relationship with Saudi Arabia. In 1945, the two countries signed a secret agreement that gave the United States access to Saudi oil in exchange for military protection.

The Cold War and the Rise of OPEC

The Cold War intensified the United States' dependence on foreign oil. The United States needed oil to fuel its military and its economy. As the Soviet Union and its allies gained control of oil resources in the Middle East, the United States became increasingly concerned about its access to oil.

In 1960, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was formed. OPEC is a cartel of oil-producing countries that controls a majority of the world's oil reserves. OPEC has used its market power to raise oil prices and to influence global politics.

The 1973 oil crisis had a profound impact on the United States. The crisis led to a sharp increase in oil prices, which caused a recession in the United States and other industrialized countries.

The Post-Cold War Era

The end of the Cold War did not diminish the importance of oil politics. The United States continued to rely on foreign oil, and OPEC remained a major player in the global oil market.

In the 1990s, the United States became involved in a series of wars in the Middle East. Many of these wars were fought over oil. The United States invaded Iraq in 1991 to protect its oil interests in the Persian Gulf. In 2003, the United States invaded Iraq again to overthrow Saddam Hussein. The United States has also been involved in conflicts in Afghanistan, Libya, and Syria. These conflicts have been motivated, in part, by concerns about oil.

The Future of Oil Politics

The future of oil politics is uncertain. The United States is becoming increasingly reliant on renewable energy sources, and the global demand for oil is expected to decline in the coming decades.

However, oil is likely to remain a major factor in international relations for many years to come. The United States will continue to need oil to fuel its military and its economy. And as long as the United States is dependent on foreign oil, it will be vulnerable to the vagaries of the global oil market.

Oil politics has had a profound impact on the development of the American state. The United States has intervened in Latin America and the Middle East to protect its oil interests. It has also developed a close relationship with Saudi Arabia. The United States has been involved in a series of wars in the Middle East, many of which have been motivated by concerns about oil.

The future of oil politics is uncertain. The United States is becoming increasingly reliant on renewable energy sources, and the global demand for oil is expected to decline in the coming decades. However, oil is likely to remain a major factor in international relations for many years to come.

Reasons of State: Oil Politics and the Capacities of American Government (Cornell Studies in Political Economy)

by G. John Ikenberry

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2120 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	293 pages
Hardcover	:	358 pages
Item Weight	:	1.87 pounds
Dimensions	:	7.8 x 0.94 x 10.47 inches

FREE