Books

Global Energy Governance: The New Rules of the Game

Andreas Goldthau and Jan Martin Witte, editors

Adopting an institutionalist perspective on global energy, this edited volume assesses the key areas in which existing governance structures need to adapt to meet the challenges of the 21st century in terms of security of supply at affordable prices, environmental sustainability and good governance. This approach fills an obvious gap in current analyses on energy security, and, at the same time, addresses a highly relevant policy area. Consequently, the proposed book complements clear-cut applied analyses with comments from decision-makers representing industry, government and civil society. Moreover, it offers a set of concrete and implementable policy recommendations and draws conclusions on the transatlantic policy agenda in the field of global energy governance.

The book was published in January 2010 by the Brookings Institution Press.

Writes Scott McKenzie of the University of Iowa College of Law in the journal Global Policy:

"Debates about energy policy are dominated by a focus on security and resource nationalism. This book offers a welcome departure from that approach, providing a fresh range of voices centered on energy markets and their associated institutions. In 16 essays, the writers in Global Energy Governance mix detailed explanations of today’s field of energy governance with forward-looking elements that highlight coming changes. This combination makes the book an excellent reference for those who are just learning about the subject, as well as an informative read for experts."

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OPEC at 50: Between Power and Impotence

Andreas Goldthau and Jan Martin Witte

In 2010, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) will mark its 50th anniversary. Only few international institutions have received as much public attention as the cartel of oil-producing countries. In fact, over the years, OPEC has become almost synonymous with the age of oil. Yet, the reach and impact of OPEC has remained a much debated topic. While some observers suggest that OPEC is a powerful cartel controlling prices and outputs, others have suggested that the organization – perhaps with the exception of the early 1970s – has remained a toothless tiger, unable to leverage its potential due to the fractiousness of its membership. With resources becoming increasingly scarce in the new millennium, the public debate has shifted again. Many observers now see OPEC as a credible player again, and perhaps even as a blueprint for an association of major gas producers. Yet, the reach and influence of OPEC remains far from clear.

This book reviews the history of OPEC, from its nascent in Bagdad in 1960 to today. The book attempts to understand and explain OPEC’s history, as well as to develop an understanding of its role and potential in the 21st century. In particular, the books analyzes to what extent OPEC has been able to effectively function as a cartel in its 50 years of existence, and what level of influence it will yield in the years ahead.

The book was published in September 2009 by Hanser Verlag.

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Imported Oil and US National Security

Keith Crane, Andreas Goldthau, Michael Toman, Thomas Light, Stuart E. Johnson, Alireza Nader, Angel Rabasa, Harun Dogo

In 2007, on a net basis, the United States imported 58 percent of the oil it consumed. This book critically evaluates commonly suggested links between these oil imports and U.S. national security. The major risk to the United States posed by reliance on oil is the economic costs of a major disruption in global oil supplies. On the other hand, the study found no evidence that oil exporters have been able to use embargoes or threats of embargoes to achieve key political and foreign policy goals. Oil revenues are irrelevant for terrorist groups' ability to launch attacks. The study also assesses the economic, political, and military costs and benefits of potential policies to alleviate challenges to U.S. national security linked to imported oil.

The book was published in April 2009 by the Rand Corporation.

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