Arctic Drilling in the United States energy revolution context: An accumulated story in environment vs energy contradiction

Abstract

Arctic Drilling is one of the controversial issues in United States (US) politics regarding oil and environmental policies. The story of Arctic Drilling can only be uncovered within the context of being triggered by the tightening global and US oil market at the beginning of the millennium. However, various dynamics have become essential to define whether Arctic Drilling is the best ‘to meet national energy needs’ through this process. Especially, environmental concern, as one of the most determining developments of this process, has led to environment versus energy contradiction that holds debate ground for the issue. Such a contradiction can be recognised and uncovered by a historical-dialectical approach that considers both material and ideational spheres. By applying this approach, this research has found that oil politics, domestic politics and foreign policy orientations of the US are interrelated to determine the perception of Arctic Drilling between policymakers, private industry, local people, environmental groups and lobby groups. This interaction shapes the context of the Arctic Drilling policy process.