Resource person: Audra Bullard

Description:

This session covers the history of U.S. oil interests in the modern Middle East, from the scramble for oil concession in the 1920s to the present moment. The talk covers four key thematic questions: (1) How did the U.S. negotiate foreign oil concessions in a Middle East dominated by European colonial powers, and how did the U.S. earn the gratitude of oil-producing countries in the region? (2) How did the rise of OPEC and the growing need to import foreign oil in the United States reshape American attitudes and policies toward the Middle East? (3) How did U.S. anxiety over oil scarcity contribute to the decision to go to war against Iraq in both 1991 and 2003? (4) How have fracking and the shale revolution reshaped American oil policy in the Middle East, and how important will oil be to the future of U.S. relations in the Middle East?

Kevin Jones is Associate Professor of History and Department Head at the University of Georgia. He earned his PhD in History from the University of Michigan and was a Post- Doctoral Research Fellow at the George Washington University Institute for Middle East Studies before beginning his current position at the University of Georgia. His work has appeared in Social History, and his book, “The Dangers of Poetry: Culture, Politics, and Revolution in Iraq,” was published by Stanford University Press in 2020.

Notes: Cancellation Policy (Please Read) Please let us know immediately if you are unable to attend a class. There is no refund for cancellations within two (2) weeks prior to a scheduled class. Programs that include food, beverage or art materials must be canceled within three (3) weeks prior in order to receive a refund. CLE reserves the right to cancel a program if the minimum enrollment has not been met or for circumstances beyond our control, and participants will be notified, a complete refund will be issued. All classes are held in the CLE Lecture Hall at the Peggy Crosby Center unless otherwise noted. In the event information has changed from the published brochure, it will be posted on our website and in our e-blasts. Addresses for “private home” venues will be provided to registrants within 2 days of the program date.

More information: Please Note: a 3% processing fee will be added to all credit card transactions

Share this activity: