| My objectives in this dissertation were to examine the current situation of supply and demand of oil and gas on the global market and to see what solutions could be presented to increase energy security internationally. This topic was chosen for its current relevance and for the ongoing impact that it will have on global energy markets, economies and foreign policies.;Case studies on Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia as massive energy producers in a ‘volatile’ region are examined. These help us to better understand what energy exporting nations feel about energy security and how much of a priority it is to them. The politicization of energy is also examined as a threat in the past, present and its potential as a threat in the future.;The main body of the argument is structured around the competing views of ‘energy interdependence’ and ‘energy independence,’ with current statistics to support the validity of each argument. Finally, the aspect of ‘energy diversification’ is examined and its role in promoting energy security is evaluated.;In order to achieve the goal of finding an energy security solution, the theories surrounding energy security are first examined as they apply to the concepts of ‘energy interdependence’ and ‘energy independence.’ The result is a view of the polarized thoughts surrounding energy security today. |
