The New Politics of Strategic Resources : Energy and Food Security Challenges in the 21st Century

Since 2008, energy and food markets—those most fundamental to human existence—have remained in turmoil. Resource scarcity has had a much bigger global impact in recent years than has been predicted, with ongoing volatility a sign that the world is only part-way through navigating a treacherous transition in the way it uses resources. Scarcity, and perceptions of scarcity, increase political risks, while geopolitical turmoil exacerbates shortages and complicates the search for solutions. The New Politics of Strategic Resources examines the political dimensions of strategic resource challenges at the domestic and international levels. For better or worse, energy and food markets are shaped by perceptions of national interest and do not behave as traditional market goods. So while markets are an essential part of any response to tighter resource supplies, governments also will play a key role. David Steven, Emily O'Brien, Bruce Jones, and their colleagues discuss what those roles are and what they should be. The architecture for coordinating multilateral responses to these dynamics has fallen short, raising questions about the effective international management of these issues. Politics impede here too, as the major powers must negotiate political and security trade-offs to cooperate on the design of more robust international regimes and mechanisms for resource security and the provision of global public goods. This timely volume includes chapters on major powers (United States, India, China) and key suppliers (Russia, Saudi Arabia). The contributors also address thematic topics, such as the interaction between oil and state fragility; the changing political dynamics of climate change; and the politics of resource subsidies. Examines The Political Dimensions Of Strategic Resource Challenges At The Domestic And International Levels, Including Energy And Food Markets, Water Scarcity, And The Roles Of Various Actors Such As The U.s., China, India, Russia, Saudi Arabia, And Others-- Acknowledgments -- Introduction: Energy Policy On The Edge / Bruce Jones And David Steven -- The Rising Actors -- China's Search For Oil Security : A Critique / Andrew B. Kennedy, Senior Lecturer, Australian National University -- Materials, Markets, Multilateralism : A Strategic Approach To India's Resource Challenges / David Steven And Arunabha Ghosh, Ceo Of The Council On Energy, Environment And Water -- Brazil's Principled Pragmatism : A Viable Response To The New Geopolitics Of Resource Competition? / Antonio Ramalho, Professor, University Of Brasília -- The Big Squeeze : Nigeria On The Brink / Mark Weston, Policy Consultant, Riverpath Associates -- Facets Of Resource Security -- Routes To Energy Security : The Geopolitics Of Gas Pipelines Between The Eu And Its Southeastern Neighbors / Angel Saz-carranza And Marie Vandendriessche -- Energy Rivalry Between India And China : Less Than Meets The Eye? / C. Raja Mohan, Head Of Strategic Studies, Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi, And Lydia Powell, Head, Centre For Resources Management, Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi -- Resource Security In Saudi Arabia : Domestic Challenges And Global Implications / Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, Research Fellow, Department Of Governance, London School Of Economics -- Governance For A Resilient Food System / Alexander Evans, Senior Fellow, Nyu Cic -- Water Security : Global Implications And Responses / Daniel Kim Chai Yeo, Fellow, Wateraid -- Oil, Domestic Politics, And International Conflict / Jeff D. Colgan, Brown University -- Russia Gambles On Resource Scarcity : Energy Intrigues In A Time Of Political Crisis / Pavel K. Baev, Research Professor, Prio -- The Critical Actor -- Challenges To Sustainable Growth After The Great Recession : How America Can Lead / Joshua Meltzer, David Steven, And Claire Langley -- Governance Burdens And The Role Of The United States In The New Energy Landscape / Kevin Massy, Fellow, Brookings Institution -- Contributors -- Inde David Steven, Emily O'brien, And Bruce Jones, Editors. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. " Since 2008, energy and food marketsthose most fundamental to human existencehave remained in turmoil. Resource scarcity has had a much bigger global impact in recent years than has been predicted, with ongoing volatility a sign that the world is only part-way through navigating a treacherous transition in the way it uses resources. Scarcity, and perceptions of scarcity, increase political risks, while geopolitical turmoil exacerbates shortages and complicates the search for solutions. The New Politics of Strategic Resources examines the political dimensions of strategic resource challenges at the domestic and international levels. For better or worse, energy and food markets are shaped by perceptions of national interest and do not behave as traditional market goods. So while markets are an essential part of any response to tighter resource supplies, governments also will play a key role. David Steven, Emily O'Brien, Bruce Jones, and their colleagues discuss what those roles are and what they should be. The architecture for coordinating multilateral responses to these dynamics has fallen short, raising questions about the effective international management of these issues. Politics impede here too, as the major powers must negotiate political and security trade-offs to cooperate on the design of more robust international regimes and mechanisms for resource security and the provision of global public goods. This timely volume includes chapters on major powers (United States, India, China) and key suppliers (Russia, Saudi Arabia). The contributors also address thematic topics, such as the interaction between oil and state fragility; the changing political dynamics of climate change; and the politics of resource subsidies. "