Crude Oil as a Strategic Power Factor in International Relations

Research Paper (Pre-University) from the year 2013 in the subject Business economics - Economic Policy, grade: 1,0, - (International Business College Hetzendorf), course: Internationale Wirtschafts- u. Kulturräume, language: English, abstract: 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.