Changing patterns of energy production and consumption are transforming the geopolitics of the global system. The BRICS countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (not discussed in this volume), a loose conglomeration of emerging powers, are part of the change as are Western powers.

Variations in the energy policies of the Americas, especially the United States and Canada, are altering existing dynamics. Both states are increasing energy production and are projected to become energy independent in the very near future. The BRICS themselves wield much energy power as well. Specifically, Russias oil policy and Chinas coal policy are creating for the world a new infrastructure within which middle and weaker countries may consider as the future.

This edited volume summarizes our analysis with particular emphasis on the rapidly changing role of the BRICS in the worlds energy system. In this collection, energy experts and international relations analysts examine production and consumption of states, the exportation and importation of energy, and alternative strategies for maintaining the international order or changing the international order.

Bruce Bagley is professor of international studies at the University of Miami.

Dina Moulioukova is a PhD student at the Department of International Studies at the University of Miami.

Hanna Samir Kassab, Ph.D. is lecturer of international studies at the University of Miami.

Preface:Louise Léger

Introduction: Bruce Bagley, Dina Moulioukova and Hanna Samir Kassab


Part 1: Energy and the Global System


Chapter 1: Domestic and International Implications of Energy Revolution in North America
Edward Glab (Florida International University)

Chapter 2: Canada- US and the Global Energy Markets in the 21st Century
Harrie Vredenburg (University of Calgary)

Chapter 3: The European Union Energy Security and Economic Growth in the 21st Century
Maxime Larive (University of Miami)

Chapter 4: Chinas Role in Latin American Energy Development
Wenyan Wu (University of Miami)


Part 2: Energy and Emerging Economics in the 21st Century

Chapter 5: Russia in the International System
Roger Kanet and Dina Moulioukova (University of Miami)

Chapter 6: Chinese Energy Policy in Latin America: The Case of Ecuador
Nashira Chavez (University of Miami)

Chapter 7: Energy, Economic Growth and the Role of India in the Global Economic System
Diana Soller (University of Miami)

Chapter 8: Domestic Constraints on Brazil's Role as Regional and Global Energy Power
Marcelo Zorovich (University of Miami)


Part 3: Energy production, Technological Development and Environmental Sustainability in the 21st Century

Chapter 9: The Promise of Shale Gas in the Americas
Eric Farnsworth (Council of the Americas and the Americas Society)

Chapter 10: Energy Security, Economic Development and Environmental Sustainability in the
21st Century in Latin America
Bruce Bagley (University of Miami)

Chapter 11: Venezuelan Regime Change and Oil Exports in the Western Hemisphere
Gonzalo Vazquez (University of Miami)

Chapter 12: On Colombia Oil
Chris Kraul (Freelance Writer)

Chapter 13: Energy production and armed conflict in Colombia:
Present and future economic and environmental implications
Lilian Yaffe (University of Miami)


Part 4: Hydrocarbons vs. Renewables in the Future of Global Energy Production

Chapter 14: Energy and Systemic Change: The Rising Power of Coal
Hanna Samir Kassab (University of Miami)

Chapter 15: Russian Re-Engagement with Latin America: Energy and Beyond
Vladimir Rouvinski (ICESI University)

Chapter 16: Brazilian Energy Production, Renewables and Economic Growth in Brazil
John Twichell (University of Miami)

Concluding Remarks- Bruce Bagley, Dina Moulioukova and Hanna Samir Kassab