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Energy dependence drives geopolitics in a significant way. Many (if not most) of the world conflicts since the early 1980s either have been directly caused by a scramble for energy or had significant energy undertones. The flashpoints for global conflict include Iraq, Iran, Libya, Syria, Ukraine, Russia, Nigeria, and Venezuela. Each of these nations has significant energy wealth. The recent and deadly conflict in Ukraine has significant energy implications. The Donbas region is a part of Ukraine with large oil and gas reserves. This potential supply, when interwoven with greater integration of Ukraine’s economy, represents a threat to Russia’s position as the EU’s energy supplier. Please read the article "6 Ways Russia's Invasion of Ukraine Has Reshaped the Energy World" for a view into the conflict and the effect on energy throughout the world.
There are many other examples of how energy and its uninterrupted supply influence geopolitics and national security strategy. These include a huge and continuous US Navy presence in the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean Sea as well as the long-term contracting of China for Petroleum products. Please read the article called "BP Signs Long-Term LNG Contract with China's Shenzhen Energy."