Full Title: Promoting International Energy Security: Volume 1, Understanding Potential Air Force Roles
Author(s): James. T. Bartis
Publisher(s): RAND Corporation
Publication Date: June 1, 2012
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Description (excerpt):
This volume briefly examines the world oil market, how developments in that market might affect “wholesale” supplies of jet fuel, and what measures the Air Force might take to protect itself against high fuel prices and supply disruptions. To facilitate this examination, the authors conducted three exploratory studies, which are reported in the companion volumes and are summarized here. In general, the Air Force and the Department of Defense in general lack the economic clout to influence the market, simply because they do not buy a large enough amount of fuel. Furthermore, alternative fuels have limited, if any value. As a result, the only effective option for reducing fuel expenditures is to use less fuel. But the security of the supply is another matter. For a variety of reasons, the Air Force is not, by itself, able to ensure the worldwide energy supply. It can, however, contribute to its security through its relationships with and assistance to other nations, both direct and indirect. For example, partnerships with oil-producing nations can help them improve their internal security, which affect supplies.