Oil imperialism theories

Oil imperialism theories are a broad group of political science theories holding the general assertion that direct and indirect control of world petroleum reserves is a root factor in current world politics.

Control of important resources has throughout history been a factor in politics. In neolithic times flint deposits were important. During the copper and bronze age those minerals were important. While control of relevant resources has always and will always play a greater or lesser role in politics, Oil Imperialism theories generally tend to assert that contol of petroleum reserves plays an over-riding role in politics.

As with many controversial theories, there may be truth to both sides of the argument. A detailed account of specifics in favor of the many points of view on the subject would require several books, and in fact many excellent and well researched books have been written.

External link

• Oil Imperialism - by Norman D. Livergood - note: this article has a clearly advertised as pushing a specific point of view - the list of more mainstream journal articles offered as references at the end are this article's primary and most credible sources.