Geopolitical Risk + Energy Transition + Climate Change = The Trifecta
BLUF A coalition of countries must cooperate to enforce international law and protect at-risk global shipping. Examples already exist to do this, which may be leveraged if needed in a contested South China Sea or an ice-free Arctic. Members and observers of the Arctic Council and Barents Euro-Arctic Council…
BLUF Usually, we talk about ships transiting through the Panama Canal. But a robust ecosystem of multimodal transshipment options explodes from the area around the canal, making this 50-mile (80 km) strip of land even more strategically important than many realize. The Panama Neutrality Treaty helps maintain the status quo.…
BLUF The importance of the NDIS lies as much in its existence and articulation as it does the content and priorities outlined. By acknowledging the multidimensional problems and envisioning solution sets, the US government transparently signaled to industry, allies, and partners the essential nature of their collaboration. Why does…
BLUF Panama Canal’s port concessionaire is 80% owned by a Hong Kong company with ties to the PRC for decades. Law #5 gives the concessionaire significant authority that puts the port’s neutrality at risk. The geopolitical risk presented by PRC’s ability to exert significant influence over Panama Canal operations…
BLUF Korea, Japan, and China are the #1, #2 and #5 largest importers of US LNG. Ensuring Korea’s reliable supply of US LNG is critical to the country’s energy security. Japan and China are less reliant on US LNG. Why does this matter? All points of exit for US…
BLUF Post-World War II organizations and agreements among countries are the foundation of today’s globalized economy. Though the specific wording is sometimes debatable, the concept is difficult to dispute. This primer post will cover the topic at a high level only and not dive into the numerous nuances. Additional reading…
BLUF Depending on their cargo, energy tankers use the Panamax or Neopanamax locks in different proportions. This variation influences how Panama Canal delays affect each segment. Chemical tankers, for example, almost exclusively use the Panamax locks, while liquified natural gas (LNG) tankers almost exclusively use the Neopanamax locks. Why…
BLUF Current global geopolitics features authoritarian rulers with more power than ever before. Authoritarian rulers do not ascribe to the same set of “rules” that democratic leaders do, making them dangerous to those who expect certain standards of behavior. Why does this matter? Authoritarian rulers possess the ability to…
BLUF Let me be clear. This post does not advocate increased shipping in the Arctic region or minimize the myriad geopolitical challenges involved. It explores an under-represented advantage of Arctic shipping routes – avoidance of some geographic chokepoints that are geopolitical hot spots. Houthi attacks on maritime vessels in…
BLUF Despite decades of Arctic region oil and gas development, current US policy about the Arctic region does not prioritize new energy exploration and development. National security and the environment are the high-level priorities. Climate change is wrapped tightly into the national security concerns. Why does this matter? Interests…
