Asia's rising complex energy interdependence

Abstract

The USA appears increasingly concerned that its security is being threatened by the increasing role of energy suppliers in the Middle East and Russia, and rapidly rising energy consumers such as China. The USA also faces the challenge of its role in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, the relative carbon dioxide intensity of fuel sources is an important consideration. Hence, natural gas from West Asia could be an important resource, especially for China. The author critiques the International Energy Agency's global energy scenarios, and discusses the possibility of US foreign policy impeding Asian energy interdependence.