Introduces the oil industry and the countries, companies, and people who shape it. The petroleum industry is among the most lucrative and important in the world, and its impact within the realm of international politics is profound. Taking a balanced and objective approach to the complicated web of political and economic threads that make up the fabric of the oil industry, Falola and Genova introduce the most salient aspects in clear language, offering cogent and up-to-date information about the countries, companies, international organizations, and people who shape the contemporary history of oil. A look at each of seven major oil exporters - Iraq, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela - demonstrates that "black gold" can be both a blessing and a curse for the countries that produce it. Despite the need to learn how to exploit alternative energy sources before the oil runs out, we will continue to be dependent on oil for the foreseeable future. Today's oil demands are not only generated by such obvious activities as fuelling our cars or aircraft, but also from the ubiquitous technological gadgets that have infiltrated our daily lives. From computer monitors to CDs, from cell phones to the petroleum-generated materials used in our shoes and sweaters, our reliance on oil continues to grow. Because price and supply are highly dependent on political events in distant countries, it is essential for western consumers to understand the intricacies of this complex subject. Falola and Genova demystify the industry and invite us to investigate more deeply this vital resource. This book puts the politics of the oil industry in global context. It examines the major players, the issues, and the most important oil-exporting countries. Accessibly written for the lay reader. It provides a balanced portrait of the industry that looks beyond its role in war and Middle East politics.