Energy and National Security
Abstract
There is broad consensus that the United States must maintain a military readiness to defend oil supplies if needed. The need for a military component to energy security is made more manifest by the concentration of oil resources in the politically volatile Persian Gulf. The market forces which the U.S. government is encouraging should make the United States and world economy more dependent of Persian Gulf oil, which is the cheapest source of energy available. That concentration of energy production in one area makes the world economy more vulnerable to supply disruptions, including by a dictator eager to create a temporary shortage that drives up prices or encourages others to turn a blind eye to his aggressive plans.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA394696
Entities
People
- Patrick Clawson
Organizations
- National Defense University