The nature of energy security the content of the concept (original) (raw)

Abstract

The existence of several definitions of energy security does not necessarily imply the existence of various energy security concepts. In certain contexts, it may alternatively imply that the same notion takes on multiple forms depending on the circumstances. This explains a lot of the differences in energy security goals and practices between countries. These distinctions emphasize, rather than deny, the importance of conceptual clarity, which can aid rational policy analysis, international comparison, and learning. In this way, energy security is similar to 'justice' or 'minority rights,' which, despite their diverse definitions, are nevertheless the focus of intense philosophical disputes and policy comparisons. A good social science concept should aim to "reducee the limitations, ambiguities, and inconsistencies [by enhancing the clarity and precision of these meanings, as well as their ability to function in hypotheses and theories with explanatory and predictive force" rather than "eliminate" different meanings of a contested term (Hempel, 1964, 12). As a result, a stronger energy security concept is required not just to enable rational policy analysis and learning by isolating energy security from other policy issues, but also to create a common vocabulary in which researchers can interact with one another and policymakers. The observation in Baldwin's seminal article the concept of security that "economic security, environmental security, identity security, social security, and military security are different forms of security, not fundamentally different concepts" is a good place to start when thinking about energy security (Baldwin, 1997, 23). This logically applies to energy security as well, implying that a viable energy security concept should be founded on a generic idea of security.

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