Yergin structures the book around a series of “new maps” that reflect the profound changes in global energy and politics since the early 21st century. He begins with the American “shale revolution,” which transformed the United States from an energy importer to the world’s leading oil and gas producer. This boom redefined America’s economic position and foreign policy flexibility, but also introduced new uncertainties and complexities to the global energy system.

The narrative then moves to Russia, examining its efforts to maintain influence through energy exports and its strategic pivot toward China. Yergin explores China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, its quest for energy security, and its growing assertiveness in the South China Sea—a region that has become a flashpoint for U.S.-China rivalry. The Middle East, long at the heart of global energy politics, is analyzed through the lens of shifting alliances, the enduring importance of oil, and the region’s ongoing volatility.

A central theme is the accelerating energy transition driven by climate concerns. Yergin discusses the rise of renewables, the political and economic challenges of decarbonization, and the reality that the energy transition will unfold unevenly across different nations. He emphasizes that the interplay of traditional fossil fuels and new technologies will continue to shape global power dynamics for decades to come.