Myanmar, The Latest Petro Bully

Governments with ample supplies of energy products find it easier to commit human-rights violations. Governments can use their oil and gas products to "buy their way out of trouble," writes political scientist Michael Ross for the Los Angeles Times. "Myanmar is Asia's fastest-growing petroleum exporter; China is the world's fastest-growing importer," he writes, explaining that the Myanmar military junta turns down bids from other nations and sells to China, which in turn vetoes any punitive actions in the UN Security Council. Ross concludes that wealth in the hands of a few fosters corruption, criminal activity and poor global citizenship. The US is the world's largest energy consumer, and Ross urges US Congress to support an energy bill that reduces oil and gas imports and thus lowers global energy prices. Countries that support human rights must also support conservation and efficiency in order to decrease fuel prices and assist the millions of people living in cruel and corrupt regimes. – YaleGlobal