Alexander V. Mirtchev - The Prologue: The Alternative Energy Megatrend in the Age of Great Power Competition

Praise for The Prologue

Alexander Mirtchevs sweeping exploration of the changing energy landscape looks far into the future and outlines issues that will occupy scholars and policymakers for decades to come.

The Hon. Henry Kissinger , Chairman, Kissinger Associates; Former Secretary of State and National Security Advisor

Dr. Alexander Mirtchevs new book, The Prologue: The Alternative Energy Megatrend in the Age of Great Power Competition , provides a timely and truly inspired perspective on 21st century global security challenges. It has long been clear that security challenges of the 21st century are much broader and more holistic than they were in the last century when major power competition was largely defined by military power. Dr. Mirtchevs book helps the reader unpack the complex relationship between economics, the alternative energy megatrend, security, and defense and the implications for the unfolding major power competition. Faced with this daunting complexity, Dr. Mirtchev urges policymakers to undertake the essential task of any successful strategist: to prioritize objectives to align ends with means and be smart. Fundamentally, The Prologue offers a valuable new framework for international strategic analysis and course of action.

General James L. Jones , USMC (Ret.), Executive Chairman Emeritus, Atlantic Council; 32nd Commandant, USMC; Former National Security Advisor to the U.S. President; Former Supreme Allied Commander Europe

With the advancements in alternative energy technology at the beginning of the 21st century, energy security thinking and planning will never be the same. Alexander Mirtchevs profoundly original book The Prologue reveals the new dilemmas that will challenge policy makers in all major economies and provides for dealing with the new realities in a smart way.

The Hon. Judge William H. Webster , Chairman, Homeland Security Advisory Council; Former Director, CIA; Former Director, FBI

Dr. Alexander Mirtchev has written an extraordinary book that is far ahead of any other contemporary analysis in connecting the cross currents of global security, international economic competition, andabove allalternative energy. His Prologue belongs in the hands of any serious policymaker and will undoubtedly be studied at the nations top universities and war colleges. A masterpiece of original thought!

Adm. James G. Stavridis USN (Ret.), Operating Executive, The Carlyle Group; Chair of the Board of Counselors, McLarty Associates; Former Supreme Allied Commander Europe; Former Dean, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University

Alexander Mirtchevs work, The Prologue , is an impressive and comprehensive study of the geo-political, security, economic, and environmental impacts of the alternative energy trend. The accelerating development of alternative energy, as this book shows, is a geo-political, game-changing phenomenon. The new Grand Energy Game will have a greater influence on global affairs in the 21st century than Star Wars did in the 20th.

Lord Truscott of St Jamess , Former UK Energy Secretary

The development of alternative energies is now sufficiently advanced, at least in terms of promise, to influence the global security equation, making the book The Prologue: The Alternative Energy Megatrend in the Age of Great Power Competition a timely one indeed.

Prof. Shirley M. Tilghman , President, Princeton University

Alexander Mirtchevs book is an amazing study that has succeeded in breaking through the complexities of current alternative energy developments and strategies. Not only does it highlight the major policy challenges (energy independence, the environment, economic security, defense, nuclear proliferation), and geopolitical considerations, but it puts forward a pragmatic and smart methodology for addressing the planned, as well as the unintended and unforeseen.

The Hon. William Sessions , Partner, Holland & Knight; Former Director, FBI

The alternative energy megatrend, as described in Alexander Mirtchevs book, occupies a large and growing role in the World Banks energy portfolio and policy advice. With the Banks focus on economic growth and sustainable development, his emphasis on the security dimensions of this issue is both interesting and relevant.

Rachel Kyte , CMG, Dean, the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University; Former Vice President, Sustainable Development, The World Bank

Alexander Mirtchevs new book is an insightful strategic analysis of the security implications of modern global phenomena that provides for enhanced understanding of the rapidly transforming 21st century geopolitical environment as well as how to deal with its manifest challenges. Policymakers, as well as academia and the private sector, would benefit from taking on board its original thesis and bold ideas.

Cmdr. Harlan K. Ullman (Ret.), PhD, Distinguished Senior Fellow, National Defense University; Chairman, Killowen Group; Author, Shock and Awe: Achieving Rapid Dominance

Alexander Mirtchevs book is a fascinating read.

Lt. General Guy Swan , CEM, CPP, Ret., Executive Director, Institute of Land Warfare

I found your book most stimulating. I look forward to seeing the reception.

The Rt Hon. Lord Robertson , Port Ellen, KT, GCMG, FRSE, PC; Former Secretary General, NATO

Alexander Mirtchev has provided a thorough examination of a possible significant future, in which the implications of alternative energy source developments come to dominate national, economic, and environmental security and world geopolitics. The thesis in the book is one that needs to be understood by global policy makers, not least in China.

Prof. Sir David Omand , Former UK Security and Intelligence Coordinator; Author, Securing the State

Alexander Mirtchevs book, The Prologue , introduces a not just original but smart methodology that provides for a breakthrough study. By defining alternative energy development as a trend and analyzing its drivers, the book allows a balanced perspective on issues that have remained beyond the radar screen of economic policy and planning, as well as a new understanding of the upcoming challenges, making it an essential read for both policy makers and business leaders.

Sir Richard Evans , Former CEO, BAE Systems

The ongoing revolution in the energy industry is a comparable discontinuity to what occurred when Internet was developed for communications. Not just energys business model will change but both geopolitics and the competitiveness of many markets will be redefined. Alexander Mirtchevs work is a very accurate and absolutely a must-read analysis of this transformation, which will impact everyones life.

Prof. Giuseppe Recchi , Chairman, Telecom Italia, Former President, ENI

A POST HILL PRESS BOOK

The Prologue:

The Alternative Energy Megatrend in the Age of Great Power Competition

2021 by Alexander V. Mirtchev

All Rights Reserved

ISBN: 978-1-64293-553-0

ISBN (eBook): 978-1-64293-554-7

Cover art by Cody Corcoran

Interior design and composition by Greg Johnson, Textbook Perfect

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author and publisher.

Post Hill Press

New York Nashville

posthillpress.com

Published in the United States of America

Contents

A s the post-Cold War geopolitical and geo-economic frameworks buckle, Dr. Alexander Mirtchevs new book, The Prologue: The Alternative Energy Megatrend in the Age of Great Power Competition , provides a timely and inspired perspective on 21st century global security challenges. Through the prism of the alternative energy megatrend, The Prologue analyzes the nexus of geopolitics, national security, and energy in the context of the new Great Power Rivalry and related Grand Energy Game.