In every corner of the planet, fossil fuels have a powerful effect on repression, conflict, and the distribution of wealth. If the era of fossil fuels is ending – as the world moves toward cleaner energy – how will this affect global politics? This talk will provide a tour of fossil fuels and politics over the last century, and a glimpse of how the turn toward alternative energies could reshape global politics in unexpected ways.
Michael L. Ross is a Professor of Political Science and the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He has published widely on energy politics, the political and economic problems of resource-rich countries, civil war, democracy, and gender rights. His most recent book, The Oil Curse: How Petroleum Wealth Shapes the Development of Nations was translated into Arabic, Russian, Portuguese and Japanese, and was named an “Outstanding Academic Title” by Choice magazine.
Ross has served on advisory boards for the US government, the World Bank, major academic journals, and several non-profit organizations. He has also written articles for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, Harper’s, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and his research has been featured in The Washington Post, Newsweek, Financial Times, and many other publications.