Reducing the U.S dependency on oil and gas imports, implications for its policies in the international system

This paper aims to firstly explain the significance of the U.S oil independency and its consequences on the U.S foreign strategy in international politics. Secondly, the implications of this energy policy on the U.S foreign policy in the international system context is examined. The hypothesis to address these inquiries is postulated using neo-realism theory. Accordingly, following oil independency by the U.S government has lowered vulnerability to geopolitical developments in oil-rich regions, particularly Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and has reinforced the hegemony of the U.S in rivalry with rising powers, namely China and Russia. In this direction, imposing economic sanctions against large world oil producers such as Russia, Iran and Venezuela, sparking trade war with China, escalating social conflicts and war in the Middle East, and decide to benefit of further shale oil production are among the most important components of the U.S foreign policy toward oil independency accomplishment. According to the neo-realistic method of analysis, energy resources are important elements of power in international system and proportionally, more energy production will lead to more power and security for states. The results of this study show that the U.S effort to exploit unconventional oil and gas resources through the technological revolution is in the framework of a strategy of self-sufficiency in energy production to maximize its power and security and to reduce geopolitical vulnerabilities in terms of dependence on the energy supply needed to maintain the country's hegemony in the international system. As the U.S energy supply increases, its economic and political dependence on other regions and countries has diminished and the country has been able to reduce its vulnerabilities in designing and advancing hegemonic policies.