Energy insecurity is a term used to describe the lack of access to reliable and affordable energy sources. It is a growing concern in many parts of the world, both in developing and developed countries, including the United States. Energy insecurity is closely linked to an unprecedented gas and oil demand (Patrick, 2011) which is at peak now. However the concerns about energy security have been around since the Industrial Revolution (Patrick, 2011). Energy insecurity can have significant economic, social, and environmental impacts on individuals and communities. Fragile states, that is, nations that are unable to provide basic services and security to their citizens, both suffer from and contribute to energy insecurity in certain ways.
Many fragile states possess significant natural resources, including oil and gas reserves. Fragile states do not possess functioning democratic systems, and thus, their lack of control over resources can end up in fostering a higher level of corruption and unstable economic development (Patrick, 2011). Many fragile states are also affected by arm conflicts, which threaten stability in those countries and in the rest of the world. This, in turn, affects the global fossil fuels market in general and contributes to energy insecurity in other countries.
Fragile states are unpredictable in their actions as well, and thus, their unexpected actions can provoke another energy crisis. Even if these actions do not seem significant at the first glance, they can cause major problems on a global scale. For instance, in 2008 Lybia’s intention to respond to US’ new legislation by cutting its oil production led to unprecedented oil price increases (Patrick, 2011). Disruptions can happen in transit countries as well, which will also threaten the continuity of the supply chain.
References
Patrick, S. (2011). Weak links: Fragile states, global threats and international security. Oxford University Press