America vs China in Africa
By clinging to a paternalistic attitude and an antiquated Washington Consensus, the United States has opened up space for a broad Chinese role in Africa.
Rebuilding Libya
After decades of government malfeasance, Libya needs new political structures, a strong civil society, and an equitable economy.
What’s Next for U.S.-Libyan Relations?
With vast oil reserves but a deeply divided country, Libya is vulnerable to outside powers after Gaddafi’s death.
Brown Bag Discussion: Venezuela, Heavy Oil, and A Renewable Energy Transition
The US and Venezuela are at odds on the government level but share one thing in common; both countries are heavily dependent on fossil fuel exploitation. Join IPS’ Sustainable Energy and Economy Networks for a conversation on: what lessons the US can learn from Venezuela’s experiences as it plans to transition to a renewable energy economy; and the prospects of Venezuela agreeing not to exploit its heavy oil reserves.
Dismantling Elmina Castle
Ghana is the latest focus of oil companies. Can it escape the resource curse?
Big Oil: $135 Million — School Children: 0
Led by Valero Energy Corp., at least 16 huge refiners are trying to poke a lucrative loophole into Texas tax laws.
Afghanistan’s Energy War
A little-noted energy agenda moving rapidly forward in Afghanistan could exacerbate insecurity and instability, and ensure a prolonged U.S. and foreign military presence.
The New Scramble for Africa
How did a right-wing thinktank devise U.S. policy toward Africa?
Timor’s Oil: Blessing or Curse?
The case of Timor-Leste proves once again how petroleum dependency turns out to be a curse rather than a blessing.
I Was Arrested Today at the White House to Say No to Dirty Energy and the Tar Sands
“Today I’m risking arrest to urge president Obama to be the leader that puts healing the planet and families over the interests of the fossil fuel industry.”
Dissecting Iran’s Economic Jihad
Despite international sanctions imposed by the West, Iran’s socioeconomic position has improved greatly as it takes advantage of high oil prices to build relationships with growing powers.
Oil Transparency Would Start South Sudan Off on Right Foot
The South Sudan government has been pressured by the international community to make its oil industry transparent.
Pipeline Politics in Central Asia
With several pipeline projects under way, Central Asia is readying itself for a new “Great Game.”
Saving Uganda from Its Oil
Uganda is sitting on a lot of oil. Will its future be more like Nigeria or Norway?
Community Rights and Oil Extraction
Chad became an oil-producing nation in 2003 with the completion of a $4bn pipeline linking its oilfields to terminals on the Atlantic coast. A largely semi-desert country, Chad is also rich in gold and uranium and some would say stands to benefit from its recently-acquired status as an oil-exporting state. Yet others contend that developments in Chad illustrate the problems when poor nations try to leverage oil and gas production within the confines of the global economic order.