Crude Oil as a Strategic Power Factor in International Relations

Examining the example Norway and the Conflict of National Interests in the Arctic

Pre-University Paper , 2013 , 18 Pages , Grade: 1,0

Business economics - Economic Policy

This academic research paper sets out to examine the role of oil in international politics.

It will first be studied which importance oil carries as a commodity and power factor. Examples for the use of oil in international relations are given to illustrate the more theoretical backgrounds.

This paper employs two main examples: Norway, as an example of an oil-rich country and net exporter, and the Arctic region as an area of possible future conflict over oil. Using these examples, the different national interests will be shown to demonstrate what is at stake for the national states as well as for the international community.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Production and Uses of Crude Oil
• Crude oil in international relations
• What is a strategic tool?
• Examples of strategic tools
• Oil as a strategic tool
• Key locations
• The OPEC
• The OPEC and oil in international relations
• The example Norway
• Rationale for country selection
• National oil industry overview
• Influence on foreign policy
• Conflicting interests in the arctic
• Location
• Conflict & Parties involved
• Norwegian position
• Key reasons for exploiting High North petroleum reserves
• Possible scenarios
• Optimistic scenario (1)
• Pessimistic Scenario (2)
• Turning point
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This research paper aims to examine the role of oil in international politics by discussing past events and estimating its future role. The focus is on the geopolitical roles oil plays in relation to national security and the international balance of power, rather than its natural science aspects.

• The importance of oil as a commodity and power factor in international relations.
• The use of oil as a strategic tool in international politics.
• The example of Norway as an oil-rich country and net exporter.
• The potential for conflict over oil in the Arctic region.
• The conflicting national interests at stake in the Arctic oil exploration.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The first chapter discusses the formation and processing of crude oil, highlighting its widespread use in various aspects of modern life. The second chapter delves into the strategic role of oil in international relations, using examples to illustrate its theoretical underpinnings. The third chapter focuses on Norway as a case study of an oil-rich nation, examining its oil industry, its influence on foreign policy, and its role as a net exporter. The fourth chapter examines the potential for conflict over oil in the Arctic region, focusing on the location, involved parties, and potential scenarios.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This research paper focuses on the strategic role of crude oil in international relations, with a particular emphasis on the case of Norway and the Arctic region. Key themes include national security, international balance of power, national interests, strategic tool, and conflicting interests.

• Course: Internationale Wirtschafts- u. Kulturräume
• Grade: 1,0
• Author: Alexander Eriksröd (Author)
• Publication Year: 2013
• Pages: 18
• Catalog Number: V213323
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656418184
• ISBN (Book): 9783656418832
• Language: English
• Tags: Erdöl, oil, crude, IR, international relations, politics, strategic commodity