Future Flashpoints: Assessing the World's Undiscovered Hydrocarbon and Mineral Resources as Potential Drivers for Conflict

February 19, 2016
STBL
1300

Mr. Paul Hueper

Director, Office of Energy Programs Bureau of Energy Resources, U.S. Department of State

Abstract

This lecture will provide an examination of the locations and extent of the world’s untapped hydrocarbon and mineral resources in the context of their potential as drivers for geopolitical conflict. Popular media and academia often overstate the extractive sector’s resource potential in particular regions or countries. Conversely, locations where the greatest potential exists often remain completely ignored. Even modest potential can be economically and politically destabilizing if these resources are not managed properly. Key areas of Africa, Asia, the Arctic and Latin America will be addressed. Factors that can mitigate resource conflict also will be covered, including models to address transboundary disputes and ways to establish the appropriate institutional, regulatory, policy and legal frameworks needed to ensure sustainable development.

Biography

Paul Hueper is Director of Energy Programs in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Energy Resources. His office manages program and policy work related to capacity building for emerging oil and gas producing countries, unconventional energy resource management and regulation, and global electric power sector reform and development. Among other implementation, his office has provided support for global oil and gas resource assessments by the U.S. Geological Survey and capacity building training by the Colorado School of Mines.  His office also maintains functional responsibility for the Department’s participation in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative as well as policy issues related to rare earth minerals. 

Mr. Hueper previously was Senior Advisor in the State Department’s Office of the Special Envoy for International Energy Affairs. He has more than 20 years of experience at multiple U.S. Government agencies and the private sector related to the upstream oil and gas sector, energy sector reform, commercial issues related to energy project development, and physical security of energy infrastructure.

Mr. Hueper has an A.B. from Duke University and a M.B.A. from Indiana University.  He belongs to the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and Geological Society of America.

POC

Dr. Daniel A. Nussbaum
Naval Postgraduate School 
Principal, Energy Academic Group
Monterey CA 93943
Phone: 831-656-2387
Mobile: 831-324-3228
Email: dnussbaum@nps.edu