Addicted to Oil: America's Relentless Drive for Energy Security

by Ian Rutledge

As even George W. Bush acknowledged in his 2006 State of the Union, America is dangerously ""addicted to oil"". In Addicted to Oil, Ian Rutledge explores the political, economic and social ramifications of the motorization of the US economy and examines the ways in which America's dependence on the car has created oil needs which have heavily influenced US foreign policy. Rutledge argues that the invasion and occupation of Iraq was primarily an attempt to create a pliant and dependable oil protectorate in that troubled region which would underwrite the soaring demand from America's hyper-motorized consumers.

Genres: Social Issues

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 25, 2005

Reviews

[Benjamin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would be much more if it was updated to include developments since Obama's taking of office, but it is quite accurate and helpful for putting in context the political and economic decisions of the Iraq & Afghan Wars. Really, the oil industry's takeover of American foreign and domestic policy is far more shocking and surprising to me than the equivalent story of the development of modern American health care. So many damaging long-term effects could have been avoided, but were pursued by short-minded men who wanted riches for themselves and to hell with the rest.

[Eric T · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good book with lots of facts and history about oil and the US relation to it. Very dry, hard to read for long periods at a time. Still have not finished it.

[Kamil Salamah · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome book that takes you step by step as to how oil has transformed the way of life in the American society and has made it hostage. It also shows you why it ought not be this way.