Tracing the evolution of the energy security concept: importers vs. exporters

Despite ongoing attempts to work out cooperative approaches, corresponding to the interests of both energy importers and energy exporters, the concept of energy security itself is based on a history of fierce geopolitical struggle between importers and exporters of energy. The article analyzes the evolution of approaches towards energy security - since the establishment of oil as the main source of energy for the industrialized world up to present times. This analysis reveals that Western countries - the main importers of energy - have largely emerged as winners of this geopolitical battle. Energy exporters, after a tactical victory following the introduction of the oil embargo in 1973, have lost control over the price formation mechanisms and trading markets. The author examines in detail the geopolitical background, which had a decisive impact on the approaches to energy security, as well as the reasons behind the success of the energy security concepts of importing countries. The article also touches upon the perspectives of energy security concepts in the contemporary context, which presents all players with new global challenges.