A bracing corrective to the myths that have shaped economic, military, and diplomatic policy, dispelling our oil-soaked fantasies of dependence.

There is a conventional wisdom about oil that the US military presence in the Persian Gulf is what guarantees access to this strategic resource; that the "special" relationship with Saudi Arabia is necessary to stabilize an otherwise volatile market; and that these assumptions in turn provide Washington enormous leverage over Europe and Asia. Except, the conventional wisdom is wrong.

Robert Vitalis debunks the myths to reveal "oilcraft", a line of magical thinking closer to witchcraft than statecraft. Oil is a commodity like any other: bought, sold, and subject to market forces. Thus, the first goal of this book is to expose the suspect fears of oil scarcity and conflict. The second goal is to investigate the significant geopolitical impact of these false beliefs.

In particular, Vitalis shows how we can reconsider the question of the US-Saudi special relationship, which confuses and traps many into unnecessarily accepting what they imagine is a devil's bargain. Freeing ourselves from the spell of oilcraft won't be easy, but the benefits make it essential.

The book is published by Stanford University Press. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

"A valuable addition to the new wave of critical studies on the history of oil and 'energy policy' that have appeared in recent years...." (Diplomatic History)

"Deserves a wide readership." (Political Science Quarterly)

"Makes a strong case against delusional thinking, whether in domestic affairs (especially regarding fossil fuel dependence) or across geopolitical boundaries. Recommended." (Choice)