U.S. Petroleum Diplomacy in Venezuela during World War II

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Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between the United States and Venezuela during World War II with a focus on the role of petroleum resources in shaping U.S. foreign policy toward Venezuela. It analyzes how Venezuelan oil reserves influenced American strategic interests and examines diplomatic efforts by the United States to secure stable access to Venezuelan oil amid competition from Britain. The research draws upon archival documents from the U.S. State Department, treaties between American and Venezuelan officials, as well as scholarly publications related to international relations, history of the petroleum industry, and U.S.-Latin American relations. Special attention is given to key figures within both governments who significantly impacted decision-making processes concerning petroleum matters. The findings reveal that America's wartime interests in Venezuela necessitated new approaches and structural changes in implementing its petroleum diplomacy: an office dedicated specifically to addressing oil-related issues was established at the State Department, while foundations for cooperation were laid between the U.S. government and private American oil companies. These results contribute to understanding the origins of contemporary Venezuela's dependence on the petroleum sector and its ties with the United States.

About the authors

O. A. Khlopov

Russian State University for the Humanities

Email: rggu2007@rambler.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-5702-8288

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