Britain and Japan in the 1973 Middle East Oil Crisis: Washingtons Silent Partne [Paperback]

Miller examines Britain and Japans involvement in the Middle East peace process after the October War of 1973 and how it contributed to the resolution of the oil crisis of 197374.

Using important primary sources from Japan, Britain, and the United Statesincluding recently declassified Japanese documents that had not previously been examinedthis book contends that previous literature failed to address the important role of Britain and Japan and their political impact on the development in the historical events of 1973 and 1974. The two countries threw their support behind the United States, backing its policies regarding not only oil but also the ArabIsraeli conflict. This enabled the United States to take the lead in the peace process as well as in discussions to resolve the energy crisis, which eventually led to the establishment of the International Energy Agency (IEA). Accordingly, this book challenges the accepted view that neither AngloAmerican nor USJapanese relations were important factors in the development of the abovementioned processes.

An insightful and illuminating read for scholars of the diplomatic history of the 1970s, and especially the complex web of tensions spanning from the ArabIsraeli conflict and between Arab oilproducing countries and developed consumer countries.

Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: Americas Geopolitical Dynamics: Israel and Oil 

Chapter 2: Britains Middle East Policy: Balancing the Competing Claims of Europe and Oil

Chapter 3: Japans Middle East Policy: A Tale of Two Conflicting Factions

Chapter 4: The Origin of Disruption in the West: 625 October 1973

Chapter 5: Disagreement with Hidden Support: 26 October14 December 1973

Chapter 6: The Making of the US-led Oil Order: 12 December 197318 November 197l“