Partial Hegemony: Oil Politics and International Order

The global history of oil politics, from World War I to the present, can teach us much about world politics, climate change, and international order in the twenty-first century. Partial Hegemony explains how international order operates in parts and often changes in peacetime, offering lessons for leaders and analysts seeking to design new international governing arrangements.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 22 November 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The intricate tapestry of global oil politics, spanning from the tumultuous aftermath of World War I to the present day, holds invaluable insights into the intricate dynamics of world politics, climate change, and international order in the twenty-first century. This historical journey provides a profound understanding of the forces that shape our global landscape.

The pivotal moment that marked a seismic shift in international order occurred during the oil crisis of 1973. OPEC countries, led by Saudi Arabia, orchestrated a strategic move that upended the established power dynamics. By quadrupling the price of oil and reorienting the global distribution of profits, they challenged the dominance of the largest corporations worldwide. This audacious act not only altered the economic landscape but also heralded a significant transformation in the global power structure.

The conventional narrative of how world politics operates, according to which the most powerful nation establishes and upholds the rules of international order following a major conflict, fails to adequately explain these events or a multitude of other historical occurrences. In his groundbreaking work, Jeff Colgan presents a novel perspective, suggesting that the international order functions in distinct parts and undergoes periodic changes even during periods of peace.

Partial Hegemony emerges as a seminal contribution to international relations theory, offering valuable lessons for leaders and analysts alike. By delving into the intricate mechanisms of power dynamics, Colgan provides a framework for designing innovative international governing arrangements that can effectively address a diverse range of pressing concerns. These concerns encompass the escalating rivalry between the United States and China, the urgent imperative of climate change mitigation, the challenges of nuclear proliferation, and the critical task of peacekeeping.

This book holds the promise of reshaping our understanding of the forces driving change in world politics. By challenging the prevailing narratives and offering a fresh perspective, Partial Hegemony empowers us to navigate the complex and rapidly evolving global landscape with greater clarity and foresight. As we confront the myriad challenges of our time, it serves as a compass, guiding us toward a future where international order is more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.

Weight: 436g
Dimension: 155 x 235 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197546383