Seeking Stability in an Oily World: The Gulf War and American Imperialism

Authors

Kate Keleher, Macalester CollegeFollow

Abstract

Oil has profoundly shaped the political, economic, and social structures of the twentieth century and it continues to shape the global order today. As both a source and a medium of power, oil binds together seemingly disparate elements into a highly sensitive web. This paper examines the first Gulf War as a turning point in the narrative of oil and power. The United States’ engagement in the Gulf War reasserted American dominance over the Middle East and ushered in a new era of oil security. In the war’s aftermath, the United States assumed roles that indicate an agenda of new imperialism – dominance in an effort to preserve economically favorable conditions.

Recommended Citation

Keleher, Kate (2012) "Seeking Stability in an Oily World: The Gulf War and American Imperialism," The Macalester Review: Vol. 2: Iss. 2, Article 5.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.macalester.edu/macreview/vol2/iss2/5