This article explains why global oil prices remain high even though the U.S. is energy independent, highlighting that oil is a globally traded commodity influenced by international events. It also explores the dynamics of tribalism in politics, contrasting left and right-wing mythologies and their impact on global perceptions and alliances.
Many people wonder why gas prices remain high in the United States despite the country achieving energy independence. This question often arises in discussions about domestic energy policies and international relations. To understand this, it is essential to grasp how oil markets operate globally.
Energy independence means that the U.S. can produce enough oil to meet its own needs without relying on imports. However, oil is an international commodity traded on a global market. This means that the price of crude oil is determined by worldwide supply and demand, not just domestic production.
If there is a crisis or disruption in any part of the world, such as political instability or conflicts affecting oil-producing regions, the global price of oil can increase. Even though the U.S. has an independent oil supply and reserves, it cannot isolate itself from these global price fluctuations.
Events like the OPEC embargo in the past highlighted the risk of losing access to oil, which was a significant concern. Today, while the U.S. maintains access to oil, the cost is still influenced by international tensions and market dynamics.
The U.S. government, including efforts under former President Trump, has attempted to lower prices by increasing domestic oil production and flooding the market with more oil. These actions can help reduce prices but cannot fully control the global market.
The discussion also touched on upcoming elections in countries like Peru and Hungary, highlighting the rise of right-wing candidates such as Keiko Fujimori in Peru. These political shifts reflect broader global trends and the complex interplay of domestic and international politics.
The conversation expanded into the realm of political tribalism and myth-making, particularly focusing on how different ideological groups construct narratives to strengthen their beliefs.
On the left, a dominant mythos is third-worldism, which views Western civilization as the ultimate evil, often symbolized by white males or Western powers. This narrative positions the global south or third world as actively resisting Western oppression, with Islam often portrayed as a key symbol of this struggle.
Figures like Ilhan Omar and groups such as Hamas are seen as part of this resistance, with the moral framing that God is on the side of the victim.
Interestingly, the right-wing also exhibits a form of third-worldism, but with a different focus. This perspective believes that America died post-World War II, overtaken by a deep state and globalist totalitarians who use technology for surveillance domestically and internationally.
Supporters of this view often root for countries like China, Russia, and Iran as counterweights to the American surveillance state. This aligns with the concept of multipolarity, where global power is dynamic and fluid, with different nations rising and falling in influence.
The right-wing third-worldism incorporates Eurasianism, a geopolitical theory promoted by thinkers like Alexander Dugin, advocating for a multipolar world where no single power dominates.
Despite their differences, both left and right tribalist mythologies share a common theme: viewing America as the root of evil or decline. These narratives help individuals prioritize complex global events and make moral decisions based on their worldview.
Understanding why oil prices remain high despite U.S. energy independence requires recognizing the global nature of oil markets and the influence of international events. Additionally, the political and ideological landscapes are shaped by competing mythologies that frame global power struggles in moral terms.
These insights reveal the complexity behind seemingly straightforward issues like gas prices and highlight the importance of considering both economic and political factors in global affairs.
