Adapting to a New Energy Era


World energy markets have undergone a seismic shift in the past ten years, driven by the unexpected boom in U.S. and Canadian production of shale gas, tight oil, and heavy oil. These changes have accelerated an already steady decline in U.S. imports of Middle East oil and gas, while China, Japan, and the rest of Asia have emerged as major importers of oil and natural gas from the Persian Gulf.

As the United States continues its rebalancing to Asia, broad changes in both energy markets and global strategic priorities suggest that there is an urgent need for the United States and Asia to revamp their energy security strategies and approaches to stabilizing the Gulf.

Through a range of activities—including field research, commissioned papers, workshops, and dialogues with key stakeholders—Adapting to a New Energy Era aims to provide in-depth and academically rigorous research into how the United States, Japan, South Korea, China, and others can craft stronger diplomatic, strategic, and economic tools to support common energy security interests.

Project Sponsor

This initiative is made possible by the generous support of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation.