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Fossil Fuels Are a Threat to National Security
Let’s recognize the risk of fossil fuel trading and switch to sustainable energy
At the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the United States began to look for substitutes to replace Russian oil imports. Fortunately, Russia’s contribution to U.S. oil imports is relatively small, only contributing roughly to 3% of American crude oil imports. However, in the wake of banning all Russian oil products, White House officials began searching for substitute sources in countries such as Venezuela and Saudi Arabia. Such countries that are well known for upholding civil rights and democratic ideals.
While the move was unavoidable and likely the most sensible given the circumstances, the dependence of such a crucial resource from questionable allies is dangerous. Any commodity can be used as leverage. A quintessential resource like crude oil, puts the United States at the mercy of the seller. We have seen this influence materialize in the United States multiple times, causing the police nation of the world to turn a blind eye.
In Saudi Arabia, the United States has had a oil trading partner for decades. The deal was always simple, we give weapons and military assets and they give us oil. Yet, we can see how this trade relationship evolved before and after 2013.
