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China is the center of the Asian energy security grid, which includes the Central Asian states and Russia. India is also hovering around the edge, South Korea is involved, and Iran is an associate member of some kind. If the Middle East oil resources around the Gulf, which are the main ones in the world, if they link up to the Asian grid, the United States is really a second-rate power. A lot is at stake in not withdrawing from Iraq.

Noam Chomsky#136

PoliticsGeopoliticsEconomyTradeEnergy

About this quote

What does it mean?
An Asian energy grid including China, India, and Russia could diminish US power if linked with Middle East oil.
In plain terms
If Asian nations connect their energy systems with Gulf oil, the US will lose its global power status.
What can you take from it?
Energy interdependence is a key strategic factor in global power shifts.

Where it applies

  • energy policy
  • global strategy
  • economic planning

Putting it to work

  • study energy maps
  • track pipelines
  • analyze trade deals

Questions to consider

  • What gives a nation power?
  • How does energy shape alliances?

Another view

Other factors like technology or military capability also determine power.

More from Noam Chomsky

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  3. ...I don't feel that they deserve a blanket condemnation at all. There are many things to object to in any society. But take China, modern China; one also find…

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