The Geostrategic Implications of the Unconventional Oil and Gas Revolution

U.S. oil and gas production is on the rise due to the remarkable surge in tight oil and shale gas development. The widespread realization of the economic, technological, and commercial viability of these tremendous oil and gas resources within the United States and the potential for transferring this production success to other parts of the world with similar resources may alter the global energy landscape in several important ways. Speculation about the full extent of the geostrategic implications of this newly realized resource endowment runs the gamut: some analysts suggest that it will fundamentally change the geopolitical dimensions of energy that have prevailed over the last forty years, while others posit that the revolution will be short-lived both in terms of its production potential and resulting geostrategic impacts.

Given the scope and intensity of the discourse surrounding this new source of energy production and its potential effects, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) expertise in energy, regional affairs, and national security provides a useful and unique analysis of the complex interactions under debate. The CSIS Energy & National Security Program, through public events, publications and projects will continue to gauge the significance of these new energy resources. For more information, please contact the Energy Program at energy@csis.org.