The Prologue, In The News

 

Alpina Publishing House has released a Russian translation of the highly acclaimed book by the renowned Bulgarian-American scholar Alexander Mirchev, Senior Visiting Professor at the George Mason University School of Politics and Public Administration, which has already been published in four languages.

“The United States is undergoing a growing politicization of the energy transition, a “megatrend,” as Alexander Mirtchev, a Distinguished Professor at George Mason University, called it in his magisterial book on the subject, The Prologue. Such polarization is typical for other transformative technological and policy issues in America, from abortion to gun control.

 

The National Interest [5/17/2024]
Ariel Cohen
Revitalizing U.S. Energy Policy for the 21st Century

 

 

“According to A.Mirtchev, the current “universally securitized world worsens Hobbesian trap, according to which the choice in favour of advanced antagonistic actions is the most rational”. In such a world “it might be beneficial for one state to act against another state within an increasing number of circumstances. … So they more often use the instruments which change the rules and institutions to influence expected results and prevent supposed threats.”

Natural Gas World [11/29/22]
Andrey A. Konoplyanik
Russia, the EU, China, the Energy Price Cap and the End of A“Long Century” of Us Global Dominance

The Prologue is a thought-provoking read. Through his well-sourced and researched analysis, Mirtchev helps introduce readers to alternative energy and how it will shape global relations in the future. Whether addressing the role of energy policy and how countries can collaborate on alternative energy methods or energy will shape future national security issues, the content in this work is relevant to day-to-day policymaking. Both fossil fuels and alternative energy are here to stay, and politicians, policymakers, and practitioners are trying to understand their role in economics and national security matters. The Prologue does a great job of comprehensively explaining what kind of impact fossil fuels and alternative energy will have in the age of great power competition.

The National Interest [11/21/22]
Mark Temnycky
Will Renewables Dominate Great Power Competition?

“Dr. Mirtchev’s book addresses critical aspects of contemporary “security”; tracing how and when the traditional military-political sense of the term changed to include financial and ecological priorities. Mirtchev posits that for de­cades, if not centuries, energy issues have been a fundamental part of the secu­rity environment, and, as Dr. Kissinger mentioned, the book, “provides a sweeping exploration of the changing energy landscape outlining issues that will occupy scholars and policymakers for decades to come”.

The Washington Times [8/17/22]
Vladislav Inozemtsev
The Looming Energy Trap

“Mirtchev masterfully explains how a rapidly changing global technological environment coupled with the growing demand for energy is reshaping great power competition and pushing the world far beyond the confines of fossil fuel use. Mirtchev’s in-depth assessment is all the more pertinent today given that it predicted many of the shortcomings of Russian energy dependence and the efforts needed to meet the growing challenge from China, a process that has been disrupted by the need to counter Russian aggression in Ukraine.”

The National Interest [7/11/22]
Kamran Bokhari
Green Energy? The West Must First Diversify Fossil Fuel Imports

“Dr. Alexander V. Mirtchev, in his groundbreaking The Prologue: The Alternative Energy Megatrend in the Age of Great Power Competition, elucidates on the changing landscape of energy politics. The book provides an excellent model for Israeli diplomacy. Mirtchev … argues that the vigorous pursuit of innovation and an expeditious entry into the realm of the unknown is becoming a key ingredient in the competition between global powers, resulting in energy rebalancing between actors.”

The Jerusalem Post [6/9/22]
Ariel Ben Solomon
Energy is changing Israel’s foreign policy – opinion

As Henry Kissinger put it in assessing Mirchev’s work, [The Prologue] offers a “sweeping exploration of the changing energy landscape that looks far into the future.” This is what is needed as Europe scrambles to wean itself from Russian energy after decades of dependence. 

The Hill [6/1/22]
John C. Hulsman
Our changing energy landscape will stretch beyond Europe

As we move to the new brave world of solar and wind geopolitics, described in the insightful book The Prologue: The Alternative Energy Megatrend in the Age of Great Power Competition by Prof. Alexander Mirtchev, [the installed wind power] imbalance becomes starker when one further considers Chinese territorial disputes. Solar provinces and wind corridors may become as desirable as oil and gas fields.

Forbes [5/23/22]
Ariel Cohen
China’s Wind Power Push Threatens US Strategic Interests

One of Mirtchev’s main insights is that the alternative energy megatrend is a socially-constructed phenomenon with significant geopolitical implications. Namely, energy is a geopolitical lever. Russia arrived at the conclusion that it must take advantage of its “energy superiority” before it is lost. Russia can easily be ruined as a great power and marginalized as the new energy age approaches.

La Razon [4/22/22]
Vladislav Inozemtsev
Un nuevo mundo de conflicts

“Professor Alexander Mirtchev, a Distinguished Professor of Government at George Mason University, and Vice Chairman of The Atlantic Council, has been looking at these issues of energy power politics for years. I wrote about his book, “The Prologue: the Alternative Energy Megatrend in the Age of Great Power Competition” last year. He argues that renewable energy will become a commercial battleground, shifting allegiances between countries. Russia is one poster child in all this. Saudi Arabia is another: Europe has told the Saudis that they are not interested in what they are selling.”

Forbes [5/4/22]
Kenneth Rapoza
Why Russia’s Natural Gas Leverage Won’t Last Much Longer

A recent book, “The Prologue: The Alternative Energy Megatrend in the Age of Great Power Competition,” by Dr. Alexander Mirtchev describes how an alternative energy “megatrend” — a confluence of interconnected trends transforming the global zeitgeist — is revolutionizing international relations. With climate concerns, economic motives and energy security imperatives fashioning the megatrend, professor Mirtchev details a “green gold rush” as nations race to control renewable resources.

Defense News [8/9/21]
Paddy Ryan
The Green Energy Arms Race is Underway

Alexander Mirtchev’s The Prologue: The Alternative Energy Megatrend in the Age of Great Power Competition discusses the ways the renewable era might reshape the dealings of nations, creating as many opportunities for profit and cooperation as competition. Mirtchev, Vice Chairman of the Atlantic Council and a Distinguished Professor at the George Mason University, cuts through the emotions.

Real Clear Energy [6/22/21]
Daniel A. Witt
Purpose and Profit: Driving The Energy Megatrend

Of special note is Alexander Mirtchev, whose solid new book (“The Prologue: The Alternative Energy Megatrend in the Age of Great Power Competition“) traces the trajectory of energy in the global economy. Mirtchev shows how each earlier era has had a transformative effect, a powerful narrative leading straight to an examination of today’s Sino-American rivalry.

Inside Sources [6/4/21]
James Clad
The Place of Materials in the Energy Crucible

Dr. Alexander Mirtchev, the Vice Chairman of the Atlantic Council and Distinguished Professor at the School of Policy and Government at George Mason University, just came out with a massive, in-depth treatment of the subject, his Prologue: The Alternative Energy Megatrend in the Age of Great Power Competition, (Simon & Schuster, 2021). He did a yeoman’s job analyzing the greatest transformations of our times.

Forbes [4/30/21]
Ariel Cohen
The Mirtchev Megatrend: A Must Read

Alexander Mirtchev, a respected member of the Washington foreign policy establishment and vice chairman of the Atlantic Council, in a new book based on a study he conducted for the Wilson Center, names this changed horizon for what it is: a megatrend. In doing this Mirtchev joins other megatrend energy spotters of the past, including environmentalist Amory Lovins and economist Daniel Yergin. Mirtchev’s book is titled “The Prologue: The Alternative Energy Megatrend in the Age of Great Power Competition.”

OilPrice.com [4/13/21]
Llewellyn King
How The Clean Energy Megatrend Impacts The World Order

Mirtchev’s book is a serious work by a serious scholar which pulls together the impact of alternative energy on national security, the interplay between great powers, and the changing landscape between great powers and a few lesser ones. It is wonderfully free of the idealistic tropes about alternative energy as a morally superior force.

Inside Sources [4/8/21]
Llewellyn King
Alternative Energy Hailed as a Megatrend, Disrupting World Order

From 2011 to 2015 the U.S. military nearly increased its renewable power generation by 100 percent while the nation’s economy added merely 2.6 percent of renewable power generation. With continued growth in renewables and further investment in the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, which engages in cutting edge experimental technologies, the United States could maintain a competitive advantage with its allies in NATO and the EU as well as with rivals like China who, according to Dr. Alexander V. Mirtchev, is prepared to be the world’s leading producer and consumer of alternative energy technology in the world. Mirtchev offers a variety of valuable lessons for Defense Department budget planners through his book, The Prologue: The Alternative Energy Megatrend in the Age of Great Power Competition. The book analyzes major shifts in renewable energy sources in various sectors including continued investments in alternative energy throughout the Defense Department.

National Interest [4/4/21]
James Grant
Renewable Energy In The U.S. Military: Creating A Lean Mean Green Warfighting Machine

@Scharschool’s@AlexanderMirtch’s book is receiving great reviews–this in@Forbes. “The Prologue: The Alternative Energy Megatrend in the Age of Great Power Competition” contextualizes the necessity of alternate energy in national security.

George Mason University, Schar School [4/2/21]

Dr. Alexander Mirtchev’s new book, The Prologue: The Alternative Energy Megatrend in the Age of Great Power Competition, identifies and charts the security-related trajectory of a relatively new global phenomenon: the ascent of alternative energy as a 21st century megatrend.

George Mason University, Center for Energy Science and Policy [4/1/21]
Sarah Wright
The Prologue: The Alternative Energy Megatrend in the Age of Great Power Competition

In his new book, “The Prologue: The Alternative Energy Megatrend in the Age of Great Power Competition”, Atlantic Council Vice Chairman Alexander Mirtchev defines the alternative energy megatrend as it relates to national security and using energy as leverage with other countries. He does it in the context of the new great power rivalry between the West and China, in particular. Mirtchev is also a founding member of the Kissinger Institute on China and the United States and a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University.

Forbes [4/1/21]
Kenneth Rapoza
The Coming Disruption: The Global Alternative Energy Megatrend

 

Reviews :

“Alexander Mirtchev’s 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 Mirtchev’s 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. Mirtchev’s 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 Mirtchev’s 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, and—above all—alternative energy. His PROLOGUE belongs in the hands of any serious policymaker and will undoubtedly be studied at the nation’s 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, Tufts University

“Alexander Mirtchev’s 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 af airs in the 21st century than ‘Star Wars’ did in the 20th.”

Lord Truscott of St James’s
Former UK Energy Secretary

“The development of alternative energies is now suf iciently 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 Mirtchev’s 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 Mirtchev’s book, occupies a large and growing role in the World Bank’s energy portfolio and policy advice. With the Bank’s 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, Tufts University
Former Vice President, Sustainable Development, The World Bank

“Alexander Mirtchev’s book is a fascinating read.”

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

“Alexander Mirtchev’s 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

“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 Mirtchev’s 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 energy’s business model will change but both geopolitics and the competitiveness of many markets will be redefined. Alexander Mirtchev’s work is a very accurate and absolutely a ‘must-read’ analysis of this transformation, which will impact everyone’s life.”

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

“This is a comprehensive book on an important development by a leading authority on these issues.”

Professor Matthew Kroenig
Professor of Government and Foreign Service, Georgetown University
Deputy Director of the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, Atlantic Council
Author of Return of the Great Power Rivalry and The Logic of American Nuclear
Strategy

“Alexander Mirtchev, a respected member of the Washington foreign policy establishment and vice chairman of the Atlantic Council, in a new book based on a study he conducted for the Wilson Center, names this changed horizon for what it is: a megatrend.“

Llewellyn King
Creator, executive producer, and host of “White House Chronicle”