Geopolitical Energy Hotspots

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Geopolitical Energy Hotspots

• Geopolitics is the study of the ways in which
  political decisions and processes affect the way
  resources and space are used. It is the
  combination of geography, economics and politics.

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The importance of the Middle East

• Energy insecurity and the global reliance on
  fossil fuels are causing energy conflicts
• The Middle East is a key world OIL SUPPLIER
• As demand rises and supply peaks- the region will
  increase in importance
• 71 of the worlds estimated 1000 billion barrels
  are in Middle East
• By 2025 with no new discoveries, that proportion
  will increase to 83
• All major global economies depend hugely on
  Middle Eastern Oil.
• The Middle East currently supplies 76 of Japans
  oil 26 of Western Europes and 21 of USAs

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Worldwide exports of oil
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Historical background

• Early exploitations of Middle Eastern oil was
  coordinated by western companies, who at first
  paid little or no royalties to oil countries
  governments
• Even the national borders were decided by Western
  civil servants after WW1 (using rulers, maps and
  red pens!)
• As a result, the West has been seen as arrogant-
  resentment continues with major events today in
  Iran and Afghanistan. ( Eg-Recent events linked
  the the role of the BBC, UK govt. and the recent
  elections in Iran)

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Current energy security issues in Middle East

• Irans nuclear threat
• Iran ongoing conflict with the USA
• Terror threat of radicals in Saudi Arabia
  (attacks on oil supplies)
• Fallout from Israel/ Palestine conflict after
  Second World War- Gaza strip issues
• Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
• Tension between Pakistan and India over Kashmir-
  further unrest

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Abqaiq case study

• Worlds largest oil processing plant
• Produces 6.8 million oil barrels a day
• 75 of Saudis total output
• Hub of 12,000 miles of oil and gas fields and
  pipelines- all vulnerable to direct attacks
• A successful terror attack could halt production
  for up to a year
• Theres nowhere that could produce that level of
  oil- thus world's would suffer mass oil supply
  problem

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• 24 February 06 it was attacked by terrorists
• 2 vehicles carrying explosives tried to smash
  their way through into plant compound
• 2 hour gun battle ensued, during which explosives
  went off
• 2 terrorists and 2 guards were killed
• Plant however was undamaged
• Luckily.
• So what does the future hold? Watch this space!

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• Read pg 40-45 Oxford

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Task

• Energy pathways can be complex, and they face
  risk and disruption as a result of both physical
  and human causes. Produce a report, using a
  range of case studies that support this
  statement. You should try and include information
  from a variety of locations.