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The politics of energy is reemerging as a major area of inquiry for political science after two decades of relative quiet. We survey the theoretical and empirical literature on the politics of energy, as well as recent developments that have revived interest in the topic-renewed oil price volatility, the rise of China, and concern over global climate change. We also outline several avenues for future research, arguing that there are ample opportunities for scholars of political economy to apply insights developed in other fields to the study of energy.

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OVID-19's effects have caused global supply chains to buckle and break. Of the many sectors affected, one is particularly worrying-low-carbon energy. Closed borders, silent factories and shortages of components are slowing the deployment of wind turbines, solar panels and electric vehicles worldwide, with little time left to avert dangerous climate change. This year's growth in renewable electricity capacity is expected to fall short of last year's figure by 13%, owing to supply-chain and financing problems. Manufacturers face unpredictable times. In April, two of the world's largest turbine producers, Vestas, based in Aarhus, Denmark, and Siemens Gamesa in Zamudio, Spain, announced the economic uncertainties were so great that they could not guide investors on how they would perform in 2020. Government incentives to bring home or 'reshore' manufacturing as part of economicstimulus packages are making matters worse. In May, the US government floated the idea of using tax incentives and subsidies to lure US industries away from manufacturing in China. Japan is offering ¥240 billion (US$2.3 billion) to help domestic companies to produce more at home. Such policies will backfire. Networks of cross-border trade and investment keep costs down and encourage learning and innovation.