ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the term "strategy" which refers to those policies and actions that protect and enhance the United States supplies of crude oil and petroleum products. Policies and actions taken by the organization of petroleum exporting countries (OPEC) nations have reflected on all aspects of the US oil industry. Petroleum products were among the best bargains in the economy. In coping with the effects of the oil embargo the United States faced Another challenge—that of a strong bias in the country against the oil industry. The advantages of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline were obvious from a strategic standpoint. But like every other strategic step the government has taken to reduce foreign dependency, building the pipeline was mired in confusion and anti-industry hostility. OPEC countries have lost the leverage they once had over the marketplace, but they would like to regain it.
