Energy Security and Environmental Sustainability in the Western Hemisphere: (Security in the Americas in the Twenty-First Century)

In light of the rapid fluctuations in oil prices and subsequent impact on the stability and economic perspectives of energy producing and energy importing states in the Western Hemisphere, this book stresses the urgency to integrate sustainability at the very core of national energy security strategies. From Canada to Argentina, this edited volume analyzes a series of case studies and diverging paradigms across the continent. It underlines how the relatively recent exploitation of unconventional energy sources in North America and the resulting impact on prices impact the geopolitical concerns of traditional producers. It also explains how much energy strategies are central to the development of national economies and the stability of their society. Highlighting the shortcomings in several countries even at a time of high prices, the volume makes the case for an inclusive and holistic approach to energy security that would integrate environmental concerns at its very core. This edited volume also explains how this new energy independence of the western Hemisphere affects its foreign policy with the main international actors in the field of energy whether traditional producers or consumers. Finally, it provides key insights on successful strategy towards the development of alternative sources of energy.

Table of Contents:
The Power of Markets: 21st Century U.S. Energy PolicyA Canadian Perspective on Energy and Environment: Security and Adaption Through Complex InterdependenceCanada and the United States: A New Era in Energy SecurityMexico: Situation and Challenges of Energy Security and Environmental Sustainability at the Beginning of the Twenty First CenturyEnergy Security, Environmental Sustainability, and Development in ColombiaEnergy Security and Petroleum in BrazilChallenges for Brazil´s Policy: Domestic Constraints on its Role as Regional and Global Energy PowerBack to The State: The Quest for Energy Security in Argentina and the Case of YPF ExpropriationSeeking for an Energy Renaissance in the Post-Fukushima Period. The European Debate on Nuclear Energy And Shale GasChina and the Significance of Energy Security Decoding Russia's Energy Security: Perceptions MatterEnergy Independence in the Western Hemisphere: Impact on the Gulf Cooperation Council and Energy Supplies from the Middle East“Our Gas Is Not for Sale:” Energy Security and Political Insecurity in BoliviaA Race to the Sustainable Development of the Energy Sector in Peru Sustainable Energy and Human Development in Central AmericaAdvancing Energy Security and Economic Growth with BiofuelsClean Development Mechanism: an Efficient Instrument to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Western Hemisphere

About the Author :
Remi B. Piet is assistant professor of international affairs and public policy at Qatar University. Bruce M. Bagley is professor and former associate dean of the Graduate School of International Studies at the University of Miami. Marcelo R. S. Zorovich is professor of international relations and international business at ESPM.

Review :
This volume is a comprehensive and informative survey highlighting the energy security and environmental challenges facing the Americas in the second decade of the 21st Century. In addition to covering a broad range of energy and environmental issues, it is unique in the breadth of its geographical coverage, ranging from Canada in the north to Argentina in the south and many other countries in-between. An added bonus is a chapter on the global impact of Western Hemisphere energy and environmental developments Russia, China and the Middle East. I highly recommend this collection of essays.