Blood of the Earth: The Battle for the World's Vanishing Oil Resources

by Dilip Hiro

China is now the world's second largest energy consumer, trailing only behind America. And India has moved up into the fourth place behind Russia, after overtaking Japan in 2001. Dramatically changing the geopolitics of oil in the new century, China and India are rapidly expanding their navies as they become increasingly dependent on lines of oil tankers from the Middle East, posing the beginning of an eventual challenge to American hegemony in the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. But while competition for oil sharpens — the world is approaching the projected peak oil output in 2012 — the number of countries able to export the commodity is shrinking. Those countries will be largely Muslim, or like Hugo Chavez's Venezuela, hostile to Western interests. No Oil sets the stage for the coming oil wars of the 21st century.

Genres: History, Politics, Nonfiction, Peak Oil

384 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 2006

Reviews

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by Dilip Hiro, though now definitely dated, is a phenomenal exposition not only of the history of oil as a commodity, but also hydrocarbons more generally, along with the accompanying geopolitics in all their convoluted minutiae. This work manages to explain how Middle Eastern geopolitics have been shaped by oil, how OPEC's creation shaped the 20th century and empowered previously helpless nations, and how the United States has constantly been at the forefront in undermining any accords our alliances outside of its sphere of influence, with European help along the way (the mention of the Pentagon's plan to destroy OPEC with Iraq's reserves is a very helpful fact, which makes sense of much of the entire operation). This book is also gripping, as the author explains every single event with precision but without excess, and uses an adroit journalistic voice in setting the context of every chapter. Lastly, the discussions on renewable energy sources is still a very useful guide, especially to understand why they have not been pursued as often or widely as one would wish for.
Anyone who wants to understand oil, 20th-century geopolitics, the Iraq war, Iran, Russia's increasing power, India and China's needs as emerging nations, should read this book.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot more interesting than I was expecting. Dilip starts with a history lesson on the beginnings of oil, and moves in to how oil has been vital to political history, particularly since WWI. I found this section the most fascinating, because it looked at world events from a perspective that was completely new to me. As the time line approaches the new millennium, the energy crisis and alternative energy sources are discussed. (It's a pretty depressing 150 pages.) Definitely read it before the edition becomes too outdated (published 2007), or maybe a revised edition will be released in the future.

P.S. One odd thing: Hiro gets way into describing facial features of people as he introduces them. Kinda weird.

[Tom Ransohoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reads a bit like a textbook, but it was a good overview of the history of oil exploration and use and the geopolitics of oil. In telling this story, Hiro reminds us of the omnipresent and overwhelming importance of oil and gas in our modern society (particularly in the US and Europe, and now increasingly in China) and of the need to wean ourselves off of it - both for the health of our planet and the sustainability of our society.

[Seán · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is fine journalism, kind of like a long, unpolished piece from the Christian Science Monitor. At times, one does hope for a little more flair, but Hiro does manage to give a competent run-down on the geo-political history of oil and the massive shitstorm we face on the horizon.

[ajay Kumar · Rating 3 out of 5]

decent book...quite informative...but as always all these can at times present a one sided view