It's common for people to say, "Money makes the world go 'round." But I think it is more accurate to say, "Energy makes the world go 'round." Abundant, inexpensive energy.
First wood, then coal, oil after that, and then natural gas. Our industrial civilization runs on coal, oil, and natural gas (having first depleted most of the forests).
And, viewed historically as Patrick has done here, it is almost blindingly obvious that the US would use access to energy as a weapon.
In my understanding, access to oil was an important factor that drove Japan to attack the U.S. in 1941; the Roosevelt administration had in 1940 issued an embargo on exports of oil (and iron) to Japan. The assault on Pearl Harbor was not unprovoked.
In the present case, the U.S. has succeeded in cutting the Achilles tendon of industry in Western Europe, forestalling the development of a united Europe-Asia that would extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific. Such a co-ordination, for U.S. empire managers, is a horror-show scenario.
Let me remind you of the quote of the first Secretary General of NATO Hastings Lionel Ismay: Keep the Russians out, the Americans in, and Germans down.
Truly comprehensive, PL - actually it reads forensically - akin to a thriller - excepting it is true historically - not a work of fiction. Looking forward already to Chapter III.
What an excellent piece of journalism - political commentary and analysis as easy to read as any spy novel, just as exhilarating, with the same effect of making me wish the story would not end. I’m looking forward to the next instalment.
Outstanding analysis! Thank you, Mr. Lawrence.
It's common for people to say, "Money makes the world go 'round." But I think it is more accurate to say, "Energy makes the world go 'round." Abundant, inexpensive energy.
First wood, then coal, oil after that, and then natural gas. Our industrial civilization runs on coal, oil, and natural gas (having first depleted most of the forests).
And, viewed historically as Patrick has done here, it is almost blindingly obvious that the US would use access to energy as a weapon.
In my understanding, access to oil was an important factor that drove Japan to attack the U.S. in 1941; the Roosevelt administration had in 1940 issued an embargo on exports of oil (and iron) to Japan. The assault on Pearl Harbor was not unprovoked.
In the present case, the U.S. has succeeded in cutting the Achilles tendon of industry in Western Europe, forestalling the development of a united Europe-Asia that would extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific. Such a co-ordination, for U.S. empire managers, is a horror-show scenario.
This is very astute latreal thinking, Duane.
My thanks to you and the others commenting.
& a wave to Jim Kable Down Under.
Parts 3 and 4 coming soon. Patrick.
Great article.
Thank you very much.
Let me remind you of the quote of the first Secretary General of NATO Hastings Lionel Ismay: Keep the Russians out, the Americans in, and Germans down.
Truly comprehensive, PL - actually it reads forensically - akin to a thriller - excepting it is true historically - not a work of fiction. Looking forward already to Chapter III.
US still playing off Germany against Russia, having taken over from GB...
What an excellent piece of journalism - political commentary and analysis as easy to read as any spy novel, just as exhilarating, with the same effect of making me wish the story would not end. I’m looking forward to the next instalment.