Approaches in Energy Exclusive Security: Theories of Energy Security and the Dominance of Realism

Abstract

Energy security is an important component of power politics, which explains the distribution of limited resources and the consequences thereof. Yet contemporary international relations theories tend to focus more on the “security” element when it comes to energy security and somewhat underplay the “power” component that lies behind it. This may limit their purchase and nuance in explaining contemporary and future energy security developments. This article offers an initial theoretical argument that reveals and emphasizes how energy changes and shapes power and security concepts and, thus, requires an improved conceptual model in international relations theory. I provide a conceptual overview of energy and security before adapting and empirically examining existing international relations theories (realism, neorealism, liberalism). I then conceptualize energy security within the scope of realism and aim to emphasize the specific importance of power that energy security theory and policy requires. To do so, I investigate the Energy Security Development Capability and identify the elements that could contribute to the advancement of energy security. I also note why realism is still seen as a dominant approach to understand energy security.Related ArticlesAsh, John. 2010. “New Nuclear Energy, Risk, and Justice: Regulatory Strategies for an era of Limited Trust.” Politics & Policy 38 (2): 255‐284. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2010.00237.xKhodr, Hiba, and Isabella Ruble. 2013. “Energy Policies and Domestic Politics in the MENA Region in the Aftermath of the Arab Upheavals: The Cases of Lebanon, Libya, and KSA.” Politics & Policy 41 (5): 656‐689. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12033Wood, Steve. 2009. “Energy Security, Normative Dilemmas, and Institutional Camouflage: Europe's Pragmatism.” Politics & Policy 37 (3): 611‐635. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2009.00187.x