能源穩定與地緣政治的穩定息息相關，而地緣政治的穩定又與維持有效的和平與秩序的體系有關。東北亞地緣政治的安排是在二次世界大戰後的秩序上建立的，是美國友邦（扇骨）與美國（扇軸）間所構建的一系列相互關連的互利的雙邊安排。此一安排是政經互利優先為基礎，歷經半世紀在信任與正直的基礎上逐漸建立起來的。因其成員國有能力吸收衝擊以避免不利所有成員的尖銳不和諧的出現，所以此一體系能確保穩定、持續與平順地轉移。此一扇軸-扇骨體系（hub and spoke system）也適用於能源供給與需求。 就能源的使用而言，東北亞的特徵之一是除俄羅斯與蒙古之外此一區域的大多數經濟體都倚賴進口能源。這些經濟體也有共同的弱點，即幅員廣大能源基礎建設不易銜接，又缺乏聯合陣線來進行燃料談判，歷史觀點歧異、領土紛爭以及其他因素等阻礙他們彼此合作。本文認為與其競爭能源供給的優勢與主導以及進行水下資源的海事紛爭，不如務實地選擇在此方面與美國合作，讓美國擔任此一地區能源交易的樞紐。

The geopolitical arrangements in Northeast Asia is founded upon a post-World War II order sometimes known as a hub and spokes system which is a series of interconnected mutually-beneficial bilateral arrangements? between US-friendly nations (the spokes) and the US (the hub). This arrangement is based on mutually-beneficial economic and political priorities that are gradually built up over half a century based on trust and integrity between partners. The system ensures stability, continuity and smooth transitions for its members with the ability to absorb shocks to avoid sharp dissonance in the system that do not benefit anyone. This hub and spoke system also applies to energy supply and demand as well. Energy stability is related to geopolitical stability which is related to maintenance of an effective system of peace and order. The maintenance of peace and order and the ability to absorb new entrants and changes in the system is dependent on the strength of a normative order, one that is principled with enough integrity to have core values of peace and equitable, balanced treatment to all players, including the hyper-powerful, large, medium and small sized states. The US has demonstrated itself sufficiently in this aspect as a benign power with willingness to help out other states in need. It therefore earns the respect and support from other nations, including smaller ones. It may be possible to label small states adherence to the system as ‘band-wagoning’ but in reality, band-wagoning also requires a conscious decision, based on national priorities and needs and reliance on prevailing order must be based on a form of trust to a certain extent that the leadership of the order or hub and spoke system is a highly trustable entity. In this sense, the US is credited with this reputation.