Shale oil and gas are making the United States the world’s biggest producer of hydrocarbons. Is American energy abundance shattering the precepts of global energy geopolitics? Will OPEC continue to exist? Will US supplies affect relations between Saudi Arabia and Russia and their roles in energy markets? Can China, as the world’s biggest oil importer, influence geopolitical dynamics with its suppliers?
Geopolitical turbulence surrounding recent events in countries such as Ukraine, Russia, Syria, Iran, Yemen, and Venezuela create conundrums for energy companies and investors. Oil and gas are entwined with all these hot spots. How has US energy abundance afforded policy makers and global energy markets more options amidst this instability? How do policy makers align objectives with energy policy tools, including sanctions? What are the implications for energy industry strategies and markets? How can policy initiatives encourage greater energy sector cooperation and investment in the Middle East and Asia?