Geopolitics and Global Role of Energy Security - Thesis Proposal Example

There has been a change in the world order since the break-up of the Soviet bloc: America now is the only superpower in the world and this gives the West the ability to dominate by a combination of military and economic strength (Nye, 2011). One result of this is that the term “global security” is increasingly defined by America and its allies, at least until China reaches its full economic potential (Calabrese, 1998). There is a danger that GCC countries, which hold the key to future energy supplies will be caught up in any eventual rivalry between these two great powers. Military strength cannot solve problems on its own – other forms of power such as soft power or smart power draw in political and economic negotiations as well (Smith, 2006).

2.3 The increasing role of Energy Security in Geopolitics
American foreign policy is directed towards aligning countries like Saudi Arabia with American objectives, in order to secure a stable supply of oil and gas (Brown and Hawthorne, 2010). The very term “energy security” is defined as “the provision of reasonably priced, reliable and environmentally friendly energy” (Müller-Kraenner, 2008) but this is from the perspective of western states who generally lack substantial energy deposits, and have renewable technology which does not meet all their needs.
Chapter Three: The Middle East and GCC

3.1 Historical background
3.2 Geographical background
3.3 Origins and Aims of GCC
3.4 OPEC and its achievements
Chapter Four: Impacts of geopolitics and energy security in the Middle East

4.1 Military Impacts: trends and changes
Arms races: graphs and tables.

4.2 Economic impacts: trends and changes
Globalization, WTO, and regional trade.
Economic objectives in GCC countries are increasingly towards diversification from oil, gas, and other natural resources, in order to avoid the so-called “resource curse” of over-dependence on a few products. There are major implications for all GCC countries because membership of the WTO involves signing up to GATT agreements which “involves dramatic and profound changes in the way trade was conducted in these countries” (Michalopoulos, 1998). These changes include measures like the removal of export subsidies and the introduction of Western-style laws, institutions, and methods of governance. Most governments have started reforms, but the pace and extent of these vary across GCC countries.

4.4 Political impacts: trends and changes
The forces described above have multiple effects on GCC state governments and these effects are in some ways contradictory. On the one hand, as energy resources such as oil become scarce and more expensive to produce, tensions increase in regions where there are large deposits and this requires strong state defense capabilities and leadership that puts security high on its agenda. On the other hand, the rules of GATT and the WTO demand a step back from planned economies, and a liberalization of many aspects of society which can undermine state authority, as has been seen in many Arab countries over the last two years.

Chapter Five: Challenges of geopolitics and energy security in the Middle East
5.1 Military challenges
Balancing local, regional, and global demands for security creates tension (Cordesman and Al-Rodhan 2007).

5.2 Economic challenges
Within the MENA area, there are many existing trade relations that run according to traditional methods, many of which run counter to the prevailing global market trends. For example, there is a preference for protectionist policies to protect key national advantages (Srinivasan, 2003) and such practices cannot be removed overnight without significant disruption to local economies.

5.3 Political challenges
American and European dominance of many international institutions such as the World Bank and the WTO means that there is a big challenge in GCC countries to increase trading networks, but at the same time maintain terms and conditions which are favorable to their own interests, rather than the interests of these dominant forces in the world markets.

There have been attempts from some quarters (the USA, Russian States) to speak out against traditional Arab systems of government, including the monarchy, despite the evidence that in many Western countries such as the UK and Sweden, this form of government has proved entirely compatible with democratic systems (Cordesman, 2003). Read More