ABSTRACT
Considering the facts of world energy consumption, production, and trade-especially in light of the relative position of the United States in world energy matters-petroleum holds a special role. It is largely through the petroleum trade that actions in one country affect the price and availability of energy in others. As reported in chapter 7, the global resource base can permit that trade to continue for some time-and indeed grow for at least a decade or two. Whether it will do so, however, depends on political and economic developments-and on choices made by sovereign governments, including ours.
