Resourse Competition between the Leading States at the Beginning of the XXI Century

Abstract

The article examines the problem of resource competition between the leading participants of international relations. It is shown that the entry of developing countries into the international arena and the growing competition for access to energy resources remain serious challenges to the system of relations that has developed in the world energy sector. In the second half of the XXth century the transition of the resource base of states under state control and management began. The revision of the conditions for access to their resources and the strengthening of the positions of national companies largely determined the change in the balance of power in the production of hydrocarbons. The rapid reduction of the planet’s resource base largely determines the direction of development of the world economy and politics, as well as geopolitics. The current situation contributes to the growth of the interest of researchers and members of the business community in studying the essence of competition and the mechanisms of its action, as well as the approaches of researchers to its analysis.

It has been proven that in the absence of urgent and coordinated action, the rapid increase in the inefficient use of natural resources will continue to create an incompatible burden on the environment. Today, there is an increase in the use of natural resources, unevenly distributed between countries and regions of the world. In this context, international exchange and cooperation can make a significant contribution to systemic change. Country leaders are responsible for shaping policy and decision-making and have the tools needed to bring about change for the better, including transformation at the local, national and global levels. A further test for the existing system of relations in the global energy sector may be the toughening of the positions of national oil and gas companies in the technological field. By making this strategic priority and invading areas that were previously considered the exclusive prerogative of the West, national companies are gradually shifting the center of gravity of competition in the industry to technology. Obviously, the ability of ambitions on the world stage and the ability to withstand competition for energy resources in the coming years will be tested precisely in these coordinates.