NTNU Energy Transition Podcast cover image

NTNU Energy Transition Podcast

#76 Is Energy Being Weaponized? Geopolitics and energy security in the energy transition (with Dr. Benedikt Franke, Munich Security Conference)

Oct 17, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Benedikt Franke, CEO of the Munich Security Conference and a leading voice in energy security, delves into how energy has been wielded as a weapon in today’s geopolitical arena. He highlights the evolution from historical oil crises to the modern threats posed by Russia and China. The conversation reveals the growing interdependence of energy with global peace and security, stressing the need for new frameworks to navigate today's challenges. It also touches on Norway's lithium resources and the critical role of international cooperation amid climate change.
34:31

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The evolution of energy security highlights its critical role in shaping geopolitics, particularly amid recent tensions like Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
  • The Munich Security Conference fosters collaboration among global leaders to address pressing energy security issues and geopolitical challenges effectively.

Deep dives

Historical Energy Security Concerns

Throughout the last century, several key events have highlighted the importance of energy security in shaping global politics. The oil crisis of 1971 spurred by OPEC's export cuts, the Iranian revolution of 1979 resulting in a second oil shock, and the Gulf War in the early 1990s exemplify how energy turmoil can trigger widespread geopolitical tensions. Although there was a decline in these concerns during the energy transition in the 2010s, recent events, notably Russia's invasion of Ukraine, have reignited energy security debates and raised alarms regarding the global energy transition policies. This resurgence emphasizes the interconnection between energy security and national stability, showcasing how nations must navigate these challenges in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode