The Hydrocarbon Doctrine
War is Hell, Energy is Business by Richard M. Balzano Venezuela, Iran, Ukraine, and Gaza appear to be separate crises, each with its own history and its own official Washington explanation. Viewed against the global energy economy, however, they begin to look considerably less distinct, as oil fields, gas reserves, pipelines, refineries, shipping lanes, sanctions, and competition for customers repeatedly intersect with American foreign policy. The countries and circumstances vary, but control over hydrocarbons and the markets through which they flow remains remarkably constant. Study the global energy economy if you want to understand American foreign policy. After murdering fishermen accused of smuggling drugs in …