1 1

Buy 3, Get 1 Free! Promo Code: BUY3GET1

Blue Vase Books

Oilcraft: The Myths of Scarcity and Security That Haunt U.S. Energy Policy

Oilcraft: The Myths of Scarcity and Security That Haunt U.S. Energy Policy

Author: Vitalis, Robert

$15.49
$15.49
Sale Sold out

Condition: Good

paperback

In stock

A bracing corrective to the myths that have shaped economic, military, and diplomatic policy, dispelling our oil-soaked fantasies of dependence.

There is a conventional wisdom about oil-that the U.S. military presence in the Persian Gulf is what guarantees access to this strategic resource; that the "special" relationship with Saudi Arabia is necessary to stabilize an otherwise volatile market; and that these assumptions in turn provide Washington enormous leverage over Europe and Asia. Except, the conventional wisdom is wrong.

Robert Vitalis debunks the myths to reveal "oilcraft," a line of magical thinking closer to witchcraft than statecraft. Oil is a commodity like any other: bought, sold, and subject to market forces. Thus, the first goal of this book is to expose the suspect fears of oil scarcity and conflict. The second goal is to investigate the significant geopolitical impact of these false beliefs.

In particular, Vitalis shows how we can reconsider the question of the U.S.-Saudi special relationship, which confuses and traps many into unnecessarily accepting what they imagine is a devil's bargain. The House of Saud does many things for U.S. investors, firms, and government agencies, but guaranteeing the flow of oil, making it cheap, or stabilizing the price isn't one of them. Freeing ourselves from the spell of oilcraft won't be easy-but the benefits make it essential.

ISBN: 1503632598

31URM800C30S_ns

Note on Condition

Most of the items in our store are used. The items condition is indicated at the top of the product page. Please refer to the following condition notes:

  • Used - Good: The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.

  • Used- Acceptable: The item is very worn but continues to work perfectly. Signs of wear can include aestetic issues such as scratches, dents, worn and creased covers, folded page corners, and minor liquid stains. All pages and the cover are intact, but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include moderate to heavy amount of notes and highlighting, but the text is not obscured or unreadable. Page edges may have foxing (age related spots and browning). May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.

  • Used-Ex-Library (Good/Acceptable): Former library book with the usual stamps, stickers, and labels. See Good/Acceptable notes for more detail.

  • Used- Very Good: Book has little sign of wear or use

  • New- Brand new, unread book

Shipping & Local Pick Up

Shipping: Most orders are shipped within 24 hours. Please allow 4-14 days after the item has shipped for delivery. Faster shipping is available for purchase at checkout.

Local Pick Up: Orders will be available for pick up within 24 hours. Pick up at the front desk Thursday-Sunday 10am-6pm .After hours pick ups are available Monday-Wednesday 7am-3pm at the Shipping & Receiving entrance.

View full details