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AMERICA AND OIL DIPLOMACY IN THE MIDDLE EAST: HISTORICAL OVERVIEW


Author: Joseph C. Lemchi, Ph.D*, Samuel Chidi Ogboli, Roland Ugochukwu Njoku, Ph.D, Godwin Nnamdi Aleke
Department of History and Diplomatic Studies, Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
Published Date: 2026-09-09
Keywords: United States, Oil Diplomacy, Middle East and Energy security.
Abstract:

The Middle East has remained a strategic central to United States Foreign policy largely because of its abundant petroleum resources and strategic geo-political position in the global oil politics. Since the end of the Second World War, successive American administrations have employed oil diplomacy as  a key instrument for advancing national interests, ensuring energy security, safeguarding global oil markets, and maintaining political and military influence in the region (Mearsheimer, 2001). This paper examines the historical evolution of America’s oil diplomacy in the Middle East, with particular emphasis on its strategic objectives, diplomatic engagements, and the implications for regional and global politics. The paper adopts a quantitative historical research design and relies on secondary sources, such as scholarly books, peer-reviewed  journal articles and in some extent government documents. The paper is guided with realist theory, the paper argues  that, the United States has consistently integrated diplomatic, economic and military strategies but in the lens of lay man’s  understanding always hide on  the acquisition of nuclear weapons by those States she tags as rogue nations in the region. The above assertion, has helped America to protect her access  to Middle East oil. The paper concludes that, America’s oil diplomacy has significantly influenced political developments, alliance formation, and security dynamics, just like the one currently playing on in Iran with America and her ally, Israel. The paper recommends that the United States pursue a more balanced foreign policy that promotes sustainable energy cooperation, regional stability, and multilateral diplomatic engagements in response to the evolving global energy security.