Energy Security: Reducing Vulnerabilities to Global Energy Networks

摘要

In the age of globalization the vulnerability of energy networks, particularly oil and gas networks, has increased due to multiple factors, the least of which include: the presence of non-state, transnational terrorist networks, political and economic aims of emerging states, and the overall interdependence on global energy sources. These vulnerabilities have revealed the extreme fragility of these networks and the mere presence of threats to these networks causes disruptions to the flow of resources and leads to instabilities in the global markets and the world economy. The effects of these disruptions are felt almost immediately and are worldwide. Current energy security policies do not adequately address these vulnerabilities. This paper examines the vulnerabilities global energy networks and provides recommendations for developing a new energy security policy that mitigates the threats and increases resiliency in energy networks.