Yergin tells the story of how vital energy is to geopolitics. He argues that a new global map is being shaped by geopolitics and energy. It is a dynamic map that is constantly changing based on actions taken by nations and their relationship to energy and climate goals. The new politics of climate include reducing carbon emissions and expanding renewable sources of energy. The map is also being changed by the effects of the coronavirus.
Yergin outlines how shale oil production changed America’s position in the world from oil importer to exporter. He also explains how new cold wars are developing between the United States and Russia and the United States and China and the role that energy plays in them.
Yergin spends a good amount of time outlining the history of oil and natural gas development and discovery in multiple countries including the United States, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Russia. He also outlines how energy has played a role in international relations. For example he spends time explaining the relationship between Russia and Ukraine regarding the pipelines that deliver energy to Europe or the building of Nord Stream I and Nord Stream II. He also describes the history of pipelines in the United States such as the Keystone XL pipeline.
Yergin speaks about the United States reliance on financial sanctions and the net impact that will have on the financial stability of the United States. “There is a risk that the commanding position of the United States derived from its capital markets and the dollar could be eroded over time by the over reliance on financial sanctions because nations will find alternatives.”
He discusses innovation in the car industry and the effects that will have on energy. He outlines the trajectory of electric vehicles and how without government subsidies the consumer of today is more likely to choose a gasoline powered vehicle because the costs are too high if passed along to the consumer. He also discusses self driving cars.
He closes by looking at climate policy and how that will effect the future. He acknowledges that oil and natural gas are required for the world economy to run and they will be for some time to come. With the amount of the world that is under developed energy needs will continue to grow and will shape the geopolitics of the new map.
Overall I give this book 4 stars out of 5.
As they barreled along in the subway Alexander turned to Sammy and asked “who are your heroes?”
“Like me personally?”
“Societal. In my age there were Achilles, Odysseus, Ajax and so many more. I want to know who the new heroes are.”
“Those are Greek dudes right?”
“Yes.” Alexander said disdainfully.
“Hey, don’t get mad at me cus I ain’t super booky?”
“I assume that means you don’t read much.”
“The last time I picked up a book was like third grade man. I live in the streets.”
“You have no place of domicile?”
“Dom a what?”
“A dwelling. A place where you sleep.”
“You take things too literally. I’m just sayin I was always roaming the streets. I had an apartment. It was small, so I spent as much time as possible outside in the city.”
“Who are the heroes of your age?” Alexander asked trying to get the conversation back on track.”
“I don’t know man. Everyone is so divided these days.” Sammy hedged as he looked around the subway to see who might be listening.
“Do you know of the Trojan War?”
“That’s the one with the horse. Right?”
“I have much to ...
