Practice Set E for CLAT: In the fascinating dance of geopolitics, the uneven distribution of fossil fuels by Mother Earth herself has played a starring role, shaping the world’s power dynamics. Looking through the lens of vitalism, one might argue that the wars of the twentieth century were not just won by human factions but also by the ancient energy stored in botanical remains.
Consider the First World War, where Germany’s oil shortage dealt it a considerable blow, overshadowing its initial technological advantages. Despite boasting a formidable fleet, Germany struggled to utilize its navy effectively, thanks to the constant need to refuel coal-burning ships every eleven days. On the flip side, the steady supply of American oil became a game-changer for Britain and France, earning them the title of floating “to victory on a sea of oil.”
Fast forward to the Second World War, and the oil scarcity proved even more decisive against the Axis powers. The German Luftwaffe, forced to rely on synthetic fuels, found itself handicapped by engines that couldn’t deliver the required high-octane energy, contributing to its defeat in the Battle of Britain. Germany’s eastward push into the Soviet Union was also driven by the quest for oilfields, leading to the fateful Battle of Stalingrad. Similarly, Japan’s move into the Dutch East Indies was a response to its own oil shortage.
In essence, the twentieth century witnessed a geopolitical theater where access to oil emerged as the linchpin of global strategies. Initially, Britain held the reins, ensuring or hindering oil flow as a means of strategic control. Post-World War II, the United States inherited this responsibility, solidifying its role as a global hegemon. Even today, as Elizabeth DeLoughrey highlights, U.S. energy policy is intertwined with military might, with the Navy playing a pivotal role as the world’s largest oceanic force.
Crucially, this strategic control of oil isn’t merely about fulfilling U.S. energy needs. The period when the U.S. military morphed into an “oil protection service” coincided with America’s strides toward energy independence. Surprisingly, even with the U.S. now self-sufficient in fossil fuels, the importance of oil as a geopolitical instrument remains undiminished. It’s not just about having enough for oneself; it’s about holding the key to energy access and denying it to potential rivals—an enduring source of strategic power.
Questions
1. What is the central idea of the passage?
(A) Fossil fuels in war-making.
(B) Strategic value fossil fuels in US dominance in the world.
(C) Role of fossil fuels in modern geopolitical order.
(D) Distribution of fossil fuels in the world.
2. What was the cause of Germany’s defeat in the First World War?
(A) Germany’s shortage of oil
(B) Advantage of Britain and France
(C) Weaknesses of Germany’s navy
(D) All the above
3. Which of the following could be inferred from Michael Klare’s opinion on US military?
(A) The US military interferes with energy needs of other countries.
(B) The US energy policy has become increasingly militarized.
(C) The US has changed energy policy drastically.
(D) The US has fully understood the strategic value of controlling oil flows.
4. What does the phrase ‘tangentially related’ to mean?
(A) Related directly and in straightforward way
(B) Related closely and centrally
(C) Related only slightly and peripherally
(D) None of the above
5. What makes the US strategically dominating global hegemon?
(A) Capacity of the US to provide oil protection service, guarding pipelines, refineries, and loading facilities.
(B) Increasingly militarized energy policy of the US Navy, the largest oceanic force on the planet.
(C) The role of US as a guarantor of global energy flows.
(D) All the above
Answers:
1. C
2. A
3. B
4. C
Read Also: Practice Set F for CLAT 2022 English Language Previous Year Questions
