The Forum for Global Studies, New Delhi, and a multidisciplinary global think tank organized an Exclusive Interview with a special guest, Prof. Gal Luft, on the theme, ‘Role of Energy Security in an Evolving Global Landscape’, held on 4th of November 2021. The programme started with the welcome speech delivered by Mr Don Mclain Gill, Director, Research at Forum for Global Studies and Fellow at the International Development and Security Cooperation, Philippines. He extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guest, Prof. Gal Luft, CO-Director of the Institute for the Analysis of Global Security, Washington D.C, and a Senior Advisor to the United States Energy Security Council, a Cabinet level extra governmental advisory committee, USA.
Prof. Gal Luft started by expressing his pleasure in being part of the podcast session themed around the role of energy security in an evolving global landscape. He started by explaining how energy is a defining factor of 21st century geo-politics. He explained there are three types of energy but only two of them are dominant and significant. These are transportation energy that underlies global commerce and electricity. He elaborated on the high usage of oil in transportation energy and how energy is consumed in various aspects of living by giving the example of Bitcoin. He further highlighted that in the contemporary times energy security is more about affordability than availability. He argues that an increase in demand of energy is
Prof. Luft made an interesting point about Middle East countries that in contrast to popular view, these countries have proven to be a very reliable supplier of oil. He states that being reliable supplier works in their favour too as these countries survive on the revenues generated by oil reserves. He also highlighted that as importers of oil, the geo-political landscape should work on rebuilding war-torn countries as part of ‘Middle East Reconstruction Initiative’ and prohibit the usage of oil to generate electricity. In respect to climate change and energy security and also the recent CoP26, he had a different perspective that climate policies are creating solutions but also problems. He emphasises that sustainability needs to be stable.
In the end, the talk highlighted the usage of all resources efficiently and mindfully. The programme was moderated by Mr Don Mclain Gill, who highlighted the role of energy security and its challenges complimenting the view of Prof. Gal Luft. Dr Sandeep thanked Prof. Gal Luft for the beautiful insights and for gracing FGS with her presence for the interview.