On Tuesday, January 17, Univ. Prof. Dr. Johannes Pollak (Senior Researcher, Webster University Vienna; Department Head, Political Science, IHS) and Univ. Ass. Prof. Dr. Samuel R. Schubert (Department Head, International Relations, Webster University) addressed members of the Vienna community for a talk on the popular idea that energy scarcity absolutely leads to war. Entitled “Resource Wars: Fact or Fiction?” and cosponsored by Webster University Vienna, Österreichische Institut für internationale Politik (OIIP), and the Austro-American Society, the talk explored the relationship between states’ energy autonomy, and international cooperation and conflict. Through their research, Drs. Schubert and Pollak presented evidence from the past forty years and beyond that suggests that states are more likely to cooperate rather than to come into conflict when energy resources are scarce.

Part of the 3rd Annual Webster University/Austro-American Society Distinguished Speakers Series, the talk was introduced by Ao. Univ. Prof. Dr. Omar Höll (Director, Österreichische Institut für internationale Politik), and was followed by a question-and-answer session and discussion moderated by Vic Huber of the Austro-American Society.