پایان نامه کارشناسی ارشد زهره اصفهانی؛ دانشکده مطالعات جهان، دانشگاه تهران، بهمن 1394
استاد راهنما: دکتر حسن حسینی
Since 2005, energy outlook has changed in the United States due to development of shale resources and hydraulic fracturing. This development has led to increase of oil and gas production to the extent that some U.S. officials expect the United States to be a net energy exporter soo n. However environmentalists emphasize the disadvantages of hydraulic fracturing which pose risks for the environment and human health. This thesis is an attempt to investigate U.S. potential of being energy self-sufficient by means of shale resources. The thesis supposes that while shale oil and gas development and hydraulic fracturing can reduce U.S. imports nonetheless it is unlikely that U.S. shale can bring energy self-sufficiency by itself in a long term due to environmental and economic barriers and structural impediments. The research has been conducted based on a qualitative analysis of available documents by both opponents and proponents of shale development. The main concepts of the thesis have been outlined in three chapters: First, unconventional resources, hydraulic fracturing, and environmental impacts; second, trend of energy production and consumption in the United States; third, consequences of “shale statecraft” on U.S. national security. 
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