Geopolitics of Oil in the Middle East and Its Implications for U.S. National Security

Abstract

This article examines the impact of oil imports on U.S. national security, especially an increasing dependency on petroleum resources from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), a region whose socio-political landscape is characterized by authoritarian regimes, political instability, and periodic tumult. This paper critically examines the extent to which the United States remains reliant on oil imports from the Middle East.  Moreover, it delves into the complexities that arise from dependence, especially where the suppliers are governments that do not align with democratic ideals and where the potential for supply disruption looms larger due to political upheavals. The authors conclude that the only way to mitigate the risks posed by this dependence is to reduce oil imports and to attain energy independence through the adoption of alternative and renewable energy strategies.