Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Energy Predator States
This is just a concept I am playing around with. The countries that fit the bill to me are China and the USA. They both have the following characteristics. Your thoughts are appreciated on this.
- Energy Importer: They need to import large amounts of energy to keep their economies going.
- Major Energy Companies:They will have major energy companies headquatered in the country. They don't necessarily have to be state owned but they will be able to exert significant influence in government and they will have considerable interests abroad.
- Energy Security:It will be an important part of the country's foriegn policy. It will be an issue of concern to the country's elite and they will take part in energy diplomacy for instance with diplomatic backing for gas piplines.
- Military Power Projection: they will be capable of using military force in support of their energy interests, this may be joint excercises or it may be armed intervention.
- State Subsidy: the state will support financially efforts to secure it's energy supplies for instance in foreign aid or soft loans or tax breaks.
- Global Reach: They will be interested in securing new energy supplies whether they are in Central Asia, Africa or South America
