Open class of “Global Energy Economy” course of Prof. Rouben Indjikian at Webster University Geneva, LLC Commons Room, 30 May 2017, 13:10-15:30
Register HERE

At its peak, crude oil represented half of the world’s energy consumption, and it remains the biggest internationally traded commodity. The petroleum industry has evolved under different price regimes, market organizations and power relations between the main producing and consuming countries and companies organizing the supply chains. While the geopolitics of petroleum in the twentieth century was determined by securing access to crude oil, currently it is perceived as a factor disrupting the supply of crude oil, especially from the Middle East, owning bulk of world petroleum reserves. So how important is the geopolitical economy of petroleum and what would be its role in the future energy landscape?

The evolution of oil industry and, in particular, geopolitics of Middle East oil, where fundamental truths are best depicted in a novel, will be presented by its author Vahan Zanoyan*, on a visit to Webster University. Vahan, will explain the complex relationships in the industry and how his vast personal experience as an adviser to oil companies, governments, investors and traders led him to write The Sacred Sands, “a gripping novel that takes the reader inside the Middle Eastern oil industry and regional geopolitics.”

The presentation will be followed by comments from John Gault, a prominent international expert in the oil industry, with an interactive discussion moderated by Rouben Indjikian.

This class is free and open to the public. Register HERE
Tuesday, May 30
Webster University Geneva, LLC Commons Room
Route de Collex 9 1293 Bellevue, Switzerland

Well, those of us who won’t be in Geneva next week can always read the book. I can’t offer you a review at this point because I’ve only just read the “Look Inside” sample on Amazon. So far so good. These reviews are quoted by Amazon:

“the story is relentlessly paced and brimming with historical insight…this will undoubtedly be a feast for anyone who’s hungry for knowledge about the Middle East …  An exceptionally erudite…portrait of a key point in a region’s history.” Kirkus Reviews

 *****

“The scope of this novel is breathtaking… The Sacred Sands is very well written with an intriguing plot that will keep you hooked to the very end. What you will also gain from the book is a clear analysis of the problems in the Middle East, the rise of Islamic Fundamentalism and the way that we in the West view the region, from the pen of someone who has a deep understanding of this area. Vahan Zanoyan is a consummate storyteller and has managed to present an incredibly complex subject in a clear, erudite, and most certainly entertaining way. I urge you to read this book – it is the most accomplished novel I have read this year and I can thoroughly recommend it.” Readers’ Favorite Reviews

• Vehan is the brother of American She-Poet #19, Silva Zenoyan Merjanian