''Thinking The Unthinkable: Modeling A Collapse Of Saudi Oil Production'' – Analysis

From Eurasia Review
By Ariel Cohen, Ph.D., David W. Kreutzer, Ph.D., James Phillips and Michaela Bendikova


"If an “Arab Spring” uprising completely disrupted Saudi oil production, the U.S. and the global economy would face a massive economic and strategic crisis. Russia and Iran as oil-producing states would likely exploit the crisis to increase their power around the world while undermining U.S. influence, especially in the Middle East. To guard against the economic and strategic dangers, the U.S. should prepare emergency measures before such a crisis. Releasing strategic petroleum reserves in coordination with other countries, tapping the North American energy resources, and reducing domestic energy consumption would limit the impact of the crisis and facilitate recovery. However, it is also in the U.S. interest to use its influence and resources to assist allies and friends during the crisis."

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