Energy is a “physiological” economic necessity. It relates to the most basic of human and commercial needs, from food and shelter to industry and technology. The generation and distribution of energy is the most important issue in world politics because it is not only a constant, universal demand but one that all but requires international cooperation.
Every country around the globe, rich or poor, democracy to dictatorship, needs energy resources or technology to function. Without it a nation could not exist, as opposed to other more abstract issues, like human rights, without which you’d just get North Korea. Say you’re sitting pretty on an immense energy source, so it’s not your problem. Well for every nation so well equipped there’s many more dieing, some quite literally, for a share. Whether via friendly trade or violent invasion, chances are they will be quick to make it your problem. Take for example, Canada and the US (friendly) or Kuwait and Iraq (not so friendly). When it comes to fossil fuels and energy generation, if you have it, others will want it. If you want it, you’ll need to get it from them.
The issue of energy nicely blends business and survival on a level that necessitates global involvement, and all within a shrinking timeframe. It has been estimated that the world hit peak oil a few years ago, and is now facing decreasing amounts of energy-producing fossil fuels and an increasing demand for them. With global energy sources dwindling, it’s impossible for any nation to say that energy resources, production and allocation are of no concern. What makes energy so vital and such a perpetually important issue is that, just like another popular physiological necessity, we all need it, all the time, and more often than not we need it from each other.
Every country around the globe, rich or poor, democracy to dictatorship, needs energy resources or technology to function. Without it a nation could not exist, as opposed to other more abstract issues, like human rights, without which you’d just get North Korea. Say you’re sitting pretty on an immense energy source, so it’s not your problem. Well for every nation so well equipped there’s many more dieing, some quite literally, for a share. Whether via friendly trade or violent invasion, chances are they will be quick to make it your problem. Take for example, Canada and the US (friendly) or Kuwait and Iraq (not so friendly). When it comes to fossil fuels and energy generation, if you have it, others will want it. If you want it, you’ll need to get it from them.
The issue of energy nicely blends business and survival on a level that necessitates global involvement, and all within a shrinking timeframe. It has been estimated that the world hit peak oil a few years ago, and is now facing decreasing amounts of energy-producing fossil fuels and an increasing demand for them. With global energy sources dwindling, it’s impossible for any nation to say that energy resources, production and allocation are of no concern. What makes energy so vital and such a perpetually important issue is that, just like another popular physiological necessity, we all need it, all the time, and more often than not we need it from each other.
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