The peak-oil theory asserts that oil production follows a bell-shaped curve, rising exponentially early on, hitting a peak and then declining terminally. As world oil production reaches its peak, energy importers will enjoy somewhat greater political weight; the economic balance of power among major industrial states will change according to their relative abilities to adapt to a scarcity of fossil fuels; and there will be increased risk of state failure, resource conflict and even nuclear-energy-related problems. These dangers might be minimised through national and international programmes designed to rapidly maximise energy efficiency and promote non-fossil-fuel energy sources.