ABSTRACT
Oil has become so central to modern civilization that language strains to convey its importance; the common metaphors for its role—linchpin, lifeblood, prize—seem tired and inadequate. Clearly, oil is important as a feedstock; in the United States, for instance, feedstock uses account for roughly one fifth of oil consumption. In the "culture of energy consumption," unique in human history, the health, welfare, prosperity, and prospects of billions of people—their security and that of their nations—are directly influenced by oil's price and availability. US continental oil production fell by half—from 9.4 million barrels a day in 1970 to 4.7 million barrels a day in 2004. Oil dependence means economic vulnerability. In addition to great-power maneuvering, military interventionism, and alliances of convenience, oil is associated with a variety of other actions that undermine civil security. Oil's long history is one of competition, corruption, political repression, maneuvering for access, and open conflict.
