TNR assistant editor Bradford Plumer breaks down why high oil prices aren't nearly as big a problem as volatile oil prices—and what the United States can do about it.


--Ben Eisler

Check out the latest on TNRtv:

Darby: Turnaround Schools Nationwide? Not So Fast.

Johnson: The Government Says It Wants to Be Hands-Off With GM. Yeah, Right.

Get the latest from TNR. Sign up for the newsletter.

Chait/Foer: Can Obama Win the Battle of the Budget?