The outlook of global power from an energy policy perspective

Abstract

Power is one of the key concepts for understanding world politics and great power's competition in international relations. In this regard, the main question of this paper is what will be the outlook of global power from an energy perspective in the 21st century? Based on the qualitative method and the comparative approach, the hypothesis of the paper is that the hegemonic power's ability to control and secure energy as a strategic commodity will be one of the main components of global power in the future. Considering the changes that have taken place in the 21st century, especially their impact on energy policy, the aim of the article is to examine the perspective of global power. Research findings show that in competition for achieving superiority in world politics, the European Union's dependence on energy constantly makes its position in the global arena more vulnerable. Russia, following the war in Ukraine and the use of energy as a political tool, faces a structural limitation of power in the short term. Moreover, China's position as the largest energy consumer in the hegemonic competition is affected by its energy security concerns. Also, the United States, as a producer and exporter of energy, will try to stabilise its hegemonic position in the competition with competing players, including China and Russia, by shaping new energy geopolitics and controlling the global energy markets.