Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members have long maintained large oil reserves to limit volatility in oil prices.

The world has grown much more peaceful over the past 15 years -- except for oil-rich countries. Oil wealth often wreaks havoc on a country's economy and politics, helps fund insurgents, and aggravates ethnic grievances. And with oil ever more in demand, the problems it spawns are likely to spread further.

Chinese foreign policy is now driven by China's unprecendented need for resources. In exchange for access to oil and other raw materials to fuel its booming economy, Beijing has boosted its bilateral relations with resource-rich states, sometimes striking deals with rogue governments or treading on U.S. turf. Beijing's hunger may worry some in Washington, but it also creates new grounds for cooperation.

This academic module features teaching notes by Jeffrey Mankoff, author of the Council Special Report Eurasian Energy Security, along with additional resources to supplement the text. In this report, Dr. Mankoff examines Russia's rise as an energy power and suggests that Europe can increase its energy security by working with--not against--Russia going forward.

The first full history of the U.S. relationship with Saudi Arabia, revealing why the alliance was formed and what we stand to lose if it collapses.

Global oil production is flat and could fall if tightening credit limits further investment. The possibility of shrinking supplies has raised new concerns about spiking prices.

CFR.org provides a collection of resources on energy and climate change policy.

Many countries are reducing or ending fuel subsidies in the face of high fuel costs and the spreading financial crisis. Though the cuts may prove unpopular, some experts say they could help ease global oil demand.

After months of deadlock, the U.S.-India nuclear deal has moved to the next stage, but numerous obstacles to the deal's passage remain.

Warren Buffett’s divestment from PetroChina prompted victory cries from Darfur activists, but longer-term concerns seem a more likely explanation for the sale.

Recent reports on the world’s energy supplies forecast a coming energy crunch, but how soon and what it means for oil prices is still up for debate.

Japan’s nuclear power plant accident, triggered by an earthquake, is a reminder of the trouble in building nuclear power plants near fault lines.

Oil piped through the swamps and creeks of the Niger Delta powers Nigeria’s economy, but ecological devastation and pervasive poverty are stirring political unrest.

The new Congress has begun to act on energy issues with a House vote to repeal tax breaks for oil and gas firms. But there are doubts Congress can produce a comprehensive energy package.

The death of Turkmenistan’s eccentric president ends a brutal dictatorship. It also raises questions about the control of Turkmenistan’s massive natural gas reserves and Eurasian energy security.

Nuclear plants are an increasingly important provider of energy in the United States. Yet experts suggest these facilities are not sufficiently secure to withstand a terrorist attack.

Americans are increasingly worried about their dependence on foreign sources of energy. In Congress and state capitals, there are stirrings to boost efficiency and alternative fuel sources for both security and environmental reasons.

President Bush stressed energy independence for Americans in his fifth State of the Union message. Citing an "addiction" to oil in the country, Bush called for developing energy alternatives to lessen dependence on the volatile Middle East. He also reasserted support for democratization in the region.

Michael A. Levi examines whether a surge domestic oil and gas productions really liberates the United States from the Middle East.