Oil Politics: A Modern History of Petroleum - Tapa dura

Geopolitics of Energy Journal: "excellent primer for students new to the international petroleum industry and a fine review for those with greater experience in the energy realm." "well-researched, well-argued and highly readable" "One of the great writers in the energy world, capable of a wonderful turn of phrase" IEAE (International Atomic Energy Agency) Journal: "This is a splendid volume: erudite; lucid; forthright; full of insight; and a rollicking good read, to boot...Frank Parra has written a tour-de-force, a thinking man's 'Prize'. I unhesitatingly recommend it to all with interest in the petroleum industry - students, academics, researchers, consultants, managers - and for that matter to the general public as well." Mentioned in the Times (T2) "Required Reading Section" by David Mattin, 05/03/04 Fuel Oil News Magazine: "In view of current events it is a particularly relevant publication."; Muslim World Book Review, 253, 2005 - "The book is a wonderful source for all those interested in details and facts". 'This book is a superb addition to the literature. It carries some wonderful turns of phrase that delight and make its reading a real pleasure. Without a doubt, this book is a major contribution to understanding the industry.' Paul Stevens, Journal of Energy and Development, Autumn 2005

Many international conflicts in the world today revolve around the control of oil - despite the protestations of politicians to the contrary. The unfettered availability of oil at an affordable price is basic to the stability, security and prosperity of all states - not just those in the West. Thus fundamental to any understanding of the politics of the contemporary world is an understanding of the politics and most recent history of petroleum. Francisco Parra sets out the political and economic events which, since the 1950s, have shaped the international petroleum industry and world affairs: the relationships central to continuing conflicts since 1950 between Middle Eastern governments, the big seven major oil companies and the governments of their home countries - the US and Britain; the struggle over oil prices; domination by the international companies; levels of competition and above all the control over oil resources. Parra concludes that more and far greater conflicts loom in the future, all driven by the dependence of the industrial world on the Middle East for oil, OPEC's volatile control over price, uncertainties in Russia and Central Asia and the growing hostility between "Islam and the West".