Rising Powers, Shrinking Planet: The New Geopolitics of Energy
The Cape Ann Forum hosted author and social critic Michael Klare on May 11, 2008, with a sweeping critique of U.S. energy policy drawn from his new book "Rising Powers, Shrinking Planet: The New Geopolitics of Energy."
Three trends will define the geopolitical landscape of the 21st century, Klare says: The rise of new economic dynamos like China and India; the reluctance of the previously dominant industrial powers, led by the United States, Europe, and Japan, to abandon their privileged status atop the resource-consumption pyramid; and the gradual depletion of many of the world's vital resources. How these trends interact will largely determine the shape of the future world order, according to Klare who says the future looks grim.
Michael T. Klare teaches Peace and World Security Studies at Hampshire College. He is the defense correspondent for The Nation magazine and author of "Blood and Oil: The Dangers and Consequences of America's Growing Petroleum Dependency "(2004) and "Resource Wars" (2001). He serves on the boards of Human Rights Watch and the Arms Control Association and has written for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, Harper's, Newsweek, Scientific American. Mother Jones, and other media.
The evening featured the announcement of the third annual Cape Ann Forum award for the Gloucester High School senior who has done the most to educate her or his peers on international issues. The prize carries with it a $500 scholarship.
For information on Klare’s book, go to:
http://us.macmillan.com/risingpowersshrinkingplanet
For a video of Klare titled "U.S. and Chinese Competition for Oil" go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWeYYJr7vC8&feature=related
For articles on the theme of his new book and this forum, see:
“The Permanent Energy Crisis Hits Home” posted March 11, 2008, on TomDispatch http://www.tomdispatch.com/post/174904
“America Out of Gas” posted May 8, 2008, on Tom Dispatch
http://www.tomdispatch.com/post/174929
“The New Geopolitics of Energy” in the May 19 edition of The Nation http://www.thenation.com/doc/20080519/klare