Petroleum Business Review
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An Exploration into the Theoretical Logics of US Energy Policy (2017-2022)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Ali Adami 1
Mohammad Yusefvand 2
Hossein Karaminejad 2

1 Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, Allameh Tabatabai University

2 Ph.D. Candidate in International Relations, Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, Allameh Tabatabai University

https://doi.org/10.22050/pbr.2023.378443.1288
Abstract
The United States’ foreign policy is influenced by specific theoretical logics that also shape its energy policies. These logics play a crucial role in understanding the country's approach to energy strategies. In this article, the authors analyze the alignment between the energy policies of the Trump and Biden administrations and the broader theoretical underpinnings of American international policy. The authors contend that the theoretical logics that drive US foreign policy has significant implications beyond foreign policy, affecting various domains, including energy. In this context, the article seeks to answer the main question, "What theoretical frameworks have shaped the energy policy of the United States from 2017-2023, during the Trump and Biden administrations?" It contends that Donald Trump’s energy policy was driven by a quest for hegemony predicated on the logic of supremacy. Conversely, Joe Biden’s energy policy embraced a multilateral orientation based on liberal internationalism and integrated environmental and climate concerns with America’s economic aspirations. The article is structured as follows: the introduction sets the context for the analysis, while the literature review examines the relevant theoretical literature. The conceptual framework section outlines the authors' theoretical approach. The subsequent sections analyze the energy policies of the Trump and Biden administrations, respectively. The authors then identify points of continuity between the two administrations before concluding.

Highlights

The energy policy of Donald Trump was addressed, and then the theoretical framework of Callahan was 
applied.
• The energy policy of Joe Biden was addressed, and then the theoretical framework of Callahan was applied.
• The effect of hegemonism and liberal internationalism logics on the US grand strategy were assessed.

Keywords

Energy policy
Hegemonism
Liberal Internationalism
Trump
Biden
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  • Receive Date 27 December 2022
  • Revise Date 18 April 2023
  • Accept Date 20 May 2023

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