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Dwarkesh Podcast

Daniel Yergin – Oil Explains the Entire 20th Century

Sep 18, 2024
Daniel Yergin, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and expert on oil's impact, discusses the pivotal role of oil in shaping the 20th century. He dives into how oil influenced major global events like World Wars I and II. Yergin shares insights from his conversations with leaders like Putin and Modi, and examines the dynamics of the Middle East oil trade. The conversation also touches on the modern energy transition and the implications of the shale revolution, showcasing oil’s continuous relevance in today's geopolitical landscape.
01:27:37

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Understanding the history of oil is essential to grasp America’s rise and major 20th-century global events, as emphasized by Yergin.
  • Key figures like John D. Rockefeller and George Mitchell illustrate how boldness and perseverance drive transformational outcomes in the oil industry.

Deep dives

The Compelling Journey of Writing 'The Prize'

The author discusses the long process of writing 'The Prize', emphasizing that the initial two-year estimate extended to seven due to the rich history interwoven with the narrative of oil. This vast exploration revealed unexpected connections between oil and significant global events throughout the 20th century. The writing process was organic, with discoveries leading to deeper insights and broader implications regarding oil's role in shaping history. Ultimately, the author conveys that the process was not just about oil, but about weaving together a larger story that reflects the complexities of the era.

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