Oil, Power, and War

Oil, Power, and War by Matthieu Auzanneau is a gripping and meticulous exploration of the intricate relationship between oil and global history. Spanning over 150 years, this compelling narrative delves into how oil has shaped historical events, fuelled economic growth, spurred political decisions, and incited military conflicts. The story is one of hubris, fortune, betrayal, and destruction, tracing the rise of oil as an indispensable resource and its role in the creation of modern civilisation.

Award-winning journalist Matthieu Auzanneau provides a "people's history" of oil, skilfully weaving together the complex threads of economic, political, and social transformations driven by humanity's insatiable thirst for this precious resource. He challenges conventional wisdom and uncovers hidden motives and actions of key historical figures, shedding new light on familiar events. The book raises profound questions about pivotal moments in history, such as the causes behind the oil crises of the 1970s, the abandonment of the gold standard post-Bretton Woods, and the undercurrents of the 2008 financial crash.

Auzanneau's narrative provides a detailed analysis of how oil has been a silent yet dominant force behind various global conflicts and economic upheavals. From the wars in the Middle East and two World Wars to the Great Depression and the Cold War, oil has been a common thread, influencing power dynamics and geopolitical strategies. The book also examines the advent of neoliberalism and the long-term repercussions of the Great Recession, painting a sobering picture of a world heavily dependent on finite oil reserves.

With brutal clarity, Oil, Power, and War exposes the pervasive influence oil has had on our lives, our societies, and our world. It illustrates the increasingly desperate race to control the last of the world's easily and cheaply extractable reserves—a race with potentially catastrophic consequences. The book provides a critical understanding of why global leaders and the fossil-fuel industry make extraordinary and dangerous policy decisions on a world stage marked by shifting power bases.

Catholic Herald Book Awards 2019 Finalist, Current Affairs

"Auzanneau has created a towering telling of a dark and dangerous addiction." - Nature

For anyone seeking to understand the profound impact of oil on our past, present, and future, Oil, Power, and War is an essential read. It offers a powerful reminder of the urgency of reassessing our relationship with this volatile resource and the critical need for a different path forward.