A Century of War

1. What is A Century of War: Anglo-American Oil Politics and the New World Order by F. William Engdahl about?

• Central theme of oil and power: The book investigates how oil and political power have shaped global events, wars, and economic systems since 1914, arguing that oil scarcity narratives are manipulated for elite interests.
• Anglo-American dominance: Engdahl details the rise and influence of Anglo-American oil cartels and their integration with military and financial power.
• Historical and geopolitical analysis: The narrative traces the control of petroleum from the British Empire to modern U.S. foreign policy, linking oil to wars, finance, and global economic manipulation.
• Exposure of hidden agendas: The book uncovers the covert strategies used by elites to maintain dominance over oil, finance, and world politics.

2. Why should I read A Century of War by F. William Engdahl?

• Reveals hidden power dynamics: The book exposes the often unseen forces behind global conflicts, especially the central role of oil in shaping history.
• Challenges mainstream narratives: Engdahl questions official explanations for major events, encouraging readers to think critically about accepted history.
• Comprehensive historical scope: It covers over a century of geopolitical maneuvers, connecting disparate events into a coherent strategy of control.
• Insight into energy and finance: Readers gain a deeper understanding of how oil, finance, and military power intersect to shape the modern world.

3. What are the key takeaways from A Century of War by F. William Engdahl?

• Oil as a tool of power: Control over oil resources has been central to the strategies of the British Empire and the United States for global dominance.
• Elite manipulation: A small group of Anglo-American elites have orchestrated wars, economic crises, and political changes to maintain their control.
• Economic and political consequences: Oil politics have led to wars, economic manipulation, and the suppression of national sovereignty in developing countries.
• Suppression of alternatives: The rise of nuclear energy and other competitors to oil have been deliberately undermined to protect oil interests.

4. What are the best quotes from A Century of War by F. William Engdahl and what do they mean?

• Eisenhower’s warning: “In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence... by the military-industrial complex.” This highlights the dangerous fusion of military and oil interests.
• Henry Kissinger on oil: “Control energy and you control the nations.” This underscores oil’s central role in geopolitical power.
• Engdahl on Big Oil’s influence: “Their influence over the decisions of their respective governments to wage wars... is greater than the power of any American President.” This stresses the outsized power of oil companies in shaping global conflicts.
• Implication of quotes: These statements encapsulate the book’s central thesis about the intersection of oil, power, and global conflict.

5. How does F. William Engdahl describe the role of the British Empire in shaping global oil politics in A Century of War?

• Three pillars of power: Britain’s dominance relied on naval control, financial supremacy in London, and control of raw materials, especially oil.
• Free trade as a weapon: The British used “absolute free trade” to undermine competitors and create economic dependence on their system.
• Informal empire and intelligence: Britain maintained influence through financial investments, spheres of influence, and covert alliances between private companies and government intelligence.
• Strategic moves in the Middle East: The British occupation of Egypt and Persia and the creation of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company were pivotal in securing oil supplies.

6. What is the significance of the Berlin-Baghdad Railway in A Century of War by F. William Engdahl?

• Geopolitical threat to Britain: The railway represented Germany’s ambition to access Middle Eastern oil, challenging British control of trade routes and resources.
• British obstruction tactics: Britain used diplomatic, military, and intelligence means, including control over Kuwait, to delay and sabotage the railway.
• Prelude to World War I: The railway project heightened tensions and was a key factor leading to the outbreak of the Great War.
• Symbol of imperial rivalry: The railway exemplified the broader struggle for control over oil and strategic regions.

7. How does A Century of War by F. William Engdahl explain the creation and impact of the Anglo-American oil cartel?

• Post-WWI consolidation: British and American oil interests formed a powerful cartel, controlling major oil reserves worldwide.
• San Remo and Red Line Agreements: These agreements formalized the division of Middle Eastern oil and established the “Seven Sisters” cartel.
• Market and price control: The cartel maintained a near-monopoly on oil resources, setting prices and dividing global markets.
• Exclusion and dominance: American companies were initially excluded but later integrated, cementing Anglo-American dominance over oil.

8. What were the causes and effects of the 1973-74 oil shock according to A Century of War by F. William Engdahl?

• Deliberate price manipulation: Anglo-American elites, including Henry Kissinger and the Bilderberg group, orchestrated a 400% oil price increase to enforce control over oil revenues and the dollar system.
• Global economic crisis: The shock triggered recessions, inflation, and debt crises, especially in developing countries.
• Benefit to oil majors and banks: Major U.S. and British oil companies and banks profited immensely, consolidating their economic power.
• Suppression of nuclear energy: The oil shock was used to undermine the rise of nuclear energy as a competitor.

9. What is the "Petrodollar Monetary Order" and its impact on developing countries in A Century of War by F. William Engdahl?

• System creation: After the 1971 dollar-gold decoupling and the 1973 oil shock, oil was priced exclusively in U.S. dollars, with revenues recycled through Western banks.
• Economic consequences: Developing countries faced soaring oil import costs and were forced to borrow petrodollars at high interest rates, leading to debt crises.
• Control through debt: The system kept developing nations dependent on Western financial institutions, with loans servicing debt rather than development.
• Political manipulation: The U.S. and Britain used divide-and-conquer tactics to prevent alliances that could challenge their economic order.

10. How did the Anglo-American establishment suppress nuclear energy development according to A Century of War by F. William Engdahl?

• Anti-nuclear campaigns: Foundations and oil interests funded projects and activism to highlight nuclear risks and promote inefficient alternatives.
• Creation of control groups: Secretive organizations like the Nuclear Suppliers Group limited the spread of nuclear technology and fuel.
• Media and political influence: Public opinion was manipulated through media and political appointments to keep nuclear energy contentious.
• Protection of oil interests: These efforts ensured oil remained the dominant global energy source.

11. How does A Century of War by F. William Engdahl describe the role of oil in U.S. foreign policy during the George W. Bush administration?

• Oil-centric leadership: Key cabinet members, including Dick Cheney and Condoleezza Rice, had deep ties to the oil industry, shaping national energy strategy.
• Preemptive war doctrine: The administration pursued military dominance to secure oil-rich regions, especially in the Middle East.
• War on Terror as cover: Military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq were justified by security concerns but were fundamentally about controlling energy resources.
• Full spectrum dominance: The U.S. aimed for comprehensive control over military, economic, and political spheres, with oil as a strategic lever.

12. What is the "abiotic oil theory" and its geopolitical implications in A Century of War by F. William Engdahl?

• Russian scientific discovery: Soviet geologists proposed that oil is of deep, primordial origin, not just from fossilized organic matter, allowing exploration in new regions.
• Strategic advantage for Russia: This theory enabled Russia and Ukraine to discover vast reserves, challenging Western assumptions about oil scarcity.
• Geopolitical leverage: Russia’s unique technology and reserves became a critical factor in U.S.-Russia relations, with the U.S. seeking to limit Russian energy independence.
• Military encirclement: The U.S. expanded NATO and established bases around Russia to control pipeline routes and restrict Russian influence.