British Petroleum and Global Oil 1950–1975
The Challenge of Nationalism

A detailed account of the activities of BP, 1950–75.

James Bamberg (Author)

9780521259514, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 31 August 2000

686 pages, 66 b/w illus. 39 colour illus. 11 maps
22.9 x 15.2 x 3.7 cm, 1.08 kg

'… this book represents the very best of company history, marked by lucidity, meticulous research and sound historical judgement.' History

Dramatic narrative, arresting analysis and original research are combined in this book, which addresses the history of one of the world's biggest oil businesses between 1950 and 1975. Assessing BP's comparative performance, the book focuses on how BP responded politically, economically and culturally to the rise of new competitors, the decline of Britain's imperial power, and the determination of nation states to assert national sovereignty over the vital commodity, oil. Climaxing with the OPEC crisis which shook the world in the 1970s, the book - authorised by BP with uniquely unrestricted access to its records - is of wide interest and relevance, especially for those interested in big business, globalisation and nationalism, international affairs, OPEC, the Middle East, and oil.

Introduction: the political economy of international oil
Part I. In a Rising Tide of Nationalism: 1. 'The structure and sinews of the Company'
2. Management and culture
3. The Suez crisis
4. 'Our aim and policy the energetic search for new sources of crude oil'
5. Finance and the British government
Part II. Under Pressure from the Producers: 6. The advent of OPEC
7. The political balancing act
8. The 'Holy Grail' of exploration
9. The push for outlets …
10. … and more outlets
11. Refining and shipping
12. Financial strains
13. The managerial hierarchy
Part III. Diversifications: 14. Alliances in petrochemicals
15. Integration in petrochemicals
16. Computing
17. Nutrition
Part IV: OPEC Takes Control: 18. 'An avalanche of escalating demands'
19. The end of an era
Retrospect and conclusion.

Subject Areas: Economic history [KCZ]