Part 1
The Importance of Energy Security
For a nation to be able to exist it must be free to make its own decisions independent from influence from other nations. There are three key elements that empower that type of freedom. They are Economic Security, Energy Security, and National Security. These three elements are connected to one another and a weakness in one, will cause a weakness in the entire system.
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| Security Pyramid |
Many will tell you that Economic Security is a very complex system that requires years of advanced study. In reality, you are an expert (if you are not in debt up to your eyeballs). If a nation owes other nations then it is not free to pick its own course. Economic Security is closely tied to National Security.
National Security is defined by the Instruments of Power that a country can use to remain free. These Instruments of Power are defined by the D.I.M.E theory. The D.I.M.E theory can be quite complex but I will attempt to make it easy to understand.
Diplomacy is a very important part of National Security. Diplomats negotiate with other nations on nearly everything. Social issues, Import/Export treaties, Peace treaties, Military access, and mutual support agreements...and many more. A nations leader may say one thing to the public, but his diplomats convey the real message to other nations, or in some cases try to head off something a politician said that was stupid.
Information about ourselves and other nations is key in National Security. This information comes from many sources, with a huge portion being gathered, analyzed, and distributed by a nation's intelligence agencies. The release of this information is sometimes carefully scripted to lead a nation's enemies in to believing one thing, when in fact something else is true.
Military power is the sword of National Security. The size, arms, training, logistics, and demonstrated ability to project this power where needed greatly enhances a nations ability to project power and achieve National Security.
Economic power is the funding that can be wielded against an enemy, or even friends. It allows a nation the ability, should it need to, to act independent of any other nation. It enhances diplomacy, helps gather information, and builds a strong Military. Without it a nation will not last long.
Energy Security is a mainstay of modern nations. Without energy industry does not create anything, products do not move to consumers, armies do not fight. A nation must have its own source of abundant energy to claim Energy Security.
The importance of Energy can not be understated, it is the vital to the survival of any nation. The following video is a presentation by Congressman Allen West, Colonel US Army (Ret). during the RNC as part of the NewtUniversity series.
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