Energy –
What does the term “energy” mean?
Energy is a physical and strategic asset, essential to powering homes, industries, and national defense, while shaping global economic and geopolitical challenges. Derived from the Greek for “acting force,” energy refers to the capacity to do work, produce heat, or emit light, and exists in mechanical, thermal, electrical, chemical, nuclear, and radiant forms, which are governed by the law of conservation. In the United States, energy applications span transportation, manufacturing, and defense, supported by a vast infrastructure for generation, transmission, distribution, and storage. It is classified into primary sources (directly usable, like crude oil ) and secondary sources (processed, like hydrogen), while further divided into non-renewable (e.g., fossil fuels), renewable (e.g., wind), and nuclear resources, each with distinct implications for energy security and economic stability.
Energy markets function through trade, supply-demand dynamics, and investment flows, influencing security strategies that prioritize energy independence from foreign dependencies. The United States aims to reinforce energy resilience by expanding domestic production, modernizing infrastructure, and advancing clean technologies. 2 Strategic policymaking aligns with broader defense initiatives to secure critical materials and ensure long-term access to energy resources. As the global energy transition accelerates, nations must balance technological innovation with the realities of shifting geopolitical risks, strengthening national security while sustaining economic growth.
Energy in National Security and Resource Strategy:
Security and energy policies are closely intertwined. Reliable energy sources and infrastructure are essential for military operations, industry, and society. Disruptions in energy supply weaken the armed forces' effectiveness and threaten U.S. economic stability—both key to national security. At the National Defense University’s Eisenhower School, seminar participants vi had the unique opportunity to critically examine the strategic implications of security and energy policy over a period of months. Their findings from self-study, expert briefings, and trips to the U.S. domestic and international energy industries formed the basis for writing focused, scholarly papers that incorporated both multinational perspectives and agency aspects. This paper summarizes findings, evaluates the U.S. energy industry's challenges, and provides fact-based policy recommendations to strengthen its role in national security and 21st century readiness.
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