Energy Strategy in an Era of Global Fragmentation

The United States' official stance, as per its national defense strategy, dismisses the international rules-based order as a "cloud-castle abstraction," forcing middle powers to seek greater self-reliance and autonomy.

Middle powers are demonstrating their ability to cooperate and maintain global frameworks, exemplified by the continuation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) without US participation.

Electrification and domestic clean energy are no longer just climate solutions but have become crucial tools for national sovereignty, economic independence, and security, particularly for countries reliant on imported fuels.

Regardless of climate change views, the economics of energy have shifted, making solar plus storage and wind the cheapest forms of new energy generation globally, thus driving decarbonization as an economic imperative.

Concerns are rising about nuclear proliferation, as the perceived unreliability of the US nuclear umbrella could prompt countries like Japan and South Korea to pursue their own nuclear deterrents for self-interest.