A theoretical approach to energy security

Abstract

Energy security remains an under-theorised sub-field of International Relations and the meaning of the term itself is unclear. A literature review indicates it is best described as ‘polysemic’ – ‘capable of holding multiple dimensions and taking on different specificities’ when applied to various times, locations, or energy resources. Rather than approaching its subject through an extant or proposed definition, this thesis addresses the gap in security theory literature by developing a novel theoretical approach to its topic. The distinctive nature of energy security is explored both in relation to security theory and the foundational role of energy in human civilisation. Following consideration of several possible theoretical approaches drawn from International Relations, Daniel Deudney’s highly abstract and under-explored structural-functional-materialist theory of security politics is modified and, for the purposes of validation, applied to oil supply security. The theory is extended by the inclusion of closely specified ideational factors, and then adapted for oil supply security with the aid of a specifically developed typology of security practices. This modified theory is then tested against the historical record of the international relations of oil supply through three case studies drawn from the twentieth century in which major powers confronted serious difficulties with their oil supplies. In addition, the ancillary propositions of the theory, which have the potential to indicate likely to fail security practices, are evaluated. This thesis seeks to offer a fresh perspective on the complex nature of energy security and a set of analytical tools with the potential to detect flawed security practices in advance of their failure.