Middle Eastern Energy Security: Synchronizing Domestic and Foreign Policy

Abstract

U.S. interests in the Middle East are numerous, yet the long-standing vital interest of energy security trumps them all. Increased global competition for limited Middle Eastern energy resources threatens this vital interest. The U.S. approach to Middle Eastern energy security has flaws because of a lack of synchronization between domestic and foreign policy. This paper first discusses challenges presented by supply, demand and the myths surrounding oil independence. It then addresses three central problems with domestic energy policy: the absence of a unified energy policy, a culture of profligacy and unlimited consumption, and the need to transform the U.S. transportation sector. A discussion follows of two central problems with U.S. foreign policy: the militarization of foreign policy and a failure to address the root causes of political instability in the region. Finally, the paper recommends remedies for the aforementioned flaws with a focus on exploiting a "smart power" approach to addressing the root causes of political instability in the region.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 18, 2009
Accession Number
ADA508249

Entities

People

  • Craig E. Bennett

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Business Administration
  • Commerce
  • Department Of State
  • Energy Security
  • Environment
  • Foreign Policy
  • Foreign Relations
  • Fuel Efficiency
  • Governments
  • International Organizations
  • Middle East
  • National Security
  • Petroleum
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Security
  • Transportation
  • War Colleges

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union
  • Strategic Security Studies