The Role of oil in shaping Foreign Policies: A comparative study of OPEC and Non-OPEC States
Keywords:
Foreign Policy, Non-OPEC States, Energy Diplomacy, Geopolitics, Sustainable Development, Climate Change, Renewable EnergyAbstract
The paper presented in this paper compares the role of oil in influencing the foreign policies of the OPEC and Non-OPEC countries. It discusses the uses of oil as a strategic resource by nations to gain economic and geopolitical advantages using examples of Saudi Arabia, Iran, Venezuela (OPEC) and Russia (Non-OPEC) and the U.S and Norway. The results indicate that OPEC countries tend to use oil as an economic tool and ideological instrument, whereas non-OPEC nations assemble the energy exportation with military strengths and sustainability initiatives. The research is based on the realist theory, which perceives oil as a major tool of achieving national interest and power. It also puts emphasis on institutions such as OPEC in the energy policy coordination and the effects of climate change and renewable on the future energy relations globally. The paper ends with the suggestions of the policies to improve energy security, sustainable development and promote global collaboration to handle the dynamic energy environment.
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