Energy security in the external energy policy of the USA

Abstract

Energy security is a key idea of countries’ energy policy at both domestic and international levels. The aim of the paper is to reveal and describe the role and significance of the concept of energy security within the external energy policy of the USA with particular attention to its regional aspects. In a theoretical section, a number of definitions of energy security were discussed and summarized, presenting a brief theoretical overview of energy security. Besides, the need for a spatially diversified approach towards energy policy planning and implementation was described briefly. Analyzing relevant secondary data sources (Department of Energy and Congressional Research Service publications, energy statistics, etc.), the main priorities of U.S. external energy policy were identified and discussed: international assistance and capacity building, environmentally friendly energy development and ensuring energy security (of both the USA and its international allies and partners). Thus, the general framework of U.S. external energy policy was suggested and generalized. As a regional case overview, the main issues of European energy security and U.S. engagement were discussed in brief: geographical diversification of energy supply, legislative and institutional assistance, etc.