ABSTRACT
This chapter develops an integrated systems approach to the geopolitics of energy security. It is concerned principally with elaborating some of the basic dimensions of energy security both globally and more specifically in the Indian Ocean region and briefly outlines some of the policy responses undertaken by states in relation to questions of energy security. The Chapter is divided into five broad sections. The first section reviews the nature of global and regional geopolitical change and energy insecurity. The second section provides a brief overview of the structure of global and regional energy consumption. The third section elaborates the issue of state energy dependence. The fourth section provides an evaluation of the geopolitics of resource holders. The final section reviews responses to questions of energy insecurity. Competition for control over energy resources in the Indian Ocean Region is likely to become increasingly intense and lead to greater inter-state conflict.
