Oil Politics: A Modern History of Petroleum

The environmental, economic, and political impact of the 2010 BP Gulf of Mexico oil spill highlights the central role of oil in the modern world. This book, by Francisco Parra, who has extensive experience in the oil industry including serving as Secretary General of OPEC, explores the history of the global petroleum industry from 1950 to the present. It covers topics such as the dominance of the seven major oil companies, the oil price revolutions of the 1970s and 1980s, and Russia's re-emergence as a significant supplier. The book analyzes the shifting power dynamics among oil producers and consumers and how these influence international relations. It provides an accessible overview of the complex politics of oil in the 21st century.