Resurgence of 20th-century geopolitical tensions highlights systemic energy and power imbalances
Original framing: “The new old world” — Financial Times
The 20th century's oil-driven conflicts echo colonial resource exploitation patterns. The 1973 oil crisis and Gulf War of 1991 reveal how energy has historically been weaponized to maintain geopolitical dominance. These parallels underscore the persistence of extractive systems.
The resurgence of 20th-century geopolitical tensions is not a return to the past but a continuation of systemic power imbalances rooted in fossil fuel dependency.
Indigenous knowledge, historical patterns, and cross-cultural perspectives reveal alternative pathways to energy justice and sustainability. By integrating these insights into policy and practice, we can move toward a future where energy is a tool for empowerment rather than domination. This requires dismantling colonial-era energy hierarchies and fostering inclusive, decentralized energy systems that prioritize ecological and social well-being.