Production has ceased across the four platforms of the Brent oilfield—Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta—in the North Sea, yet the name Brent continues to hold significant influence as a global pricing benchmark. The field was named by managing company Shell upon its discovery in 1971, following its tradition of naming new fields after birds, in this case the Brent Goose.

Brent crude oil now encompasses output from several associated fields and is characterized as a light and sweet crude, containing less than 0.5% sulfur. These properties contribute to its desirability, as lighter, lower-sulfur crude is easier and less costly to refine, yielding high-value products such as transportation fuels. Additionally, Brent crude originates offshore and is transported via underwater pipelines and tankers, contributing to its success as a widely accepted benchmark. Its quality and accessibility make it a reliable indicator for global oil supply and demand.

While Brent crude is a preferred benchmark in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude from the central United States is considered to be of higher quality. However, the more limited transportation options for WTI crude diminish its utility as a global benchmark. WTI remains the standard in the Americas, whereas Brent's offshore production and extensive transport infrastructure support its broader international use.

The choice of Brent as a benchmark is also rooted in historical geopolitical connections. The Brent oilfield is located approximately 186 miles from the Shatt al-Arab river, which flows into the Persian Gulf. During the early 20th century, this region was under Ottoman Empire control, a rival to British interests. The discovery of substantial oil reserves in nearby Iran in 1908 heightened Britain's need to secure its energy supplies.

To protect these interests, the British formed the Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force (MEF), comprising army and naval units. Despite initial successes, including gaining control of the Shatt al-Arab river, British advances were halted by reinforced Ottoman troops, particularly following the Allied defeat at Gallipoli. The campaign experienced a severe setback with the surrender at the siege of Kut al-Amara in April 1916. However, the MEF resumed operations under Major General Maude in late 1916, ultimately capturing Baghdad in March 1917.

The Mesopotamia campaign, spanning from November 1914 to November 1918, was one of Britain's largest military efforts during the First World War, though it remains less remembered than battles on the Western Front. Its relative obscurity is partly due to its geographical distance and the predominant involvement of the Indian Army, with more than half a million Indian soldiers serving. The campaign inflicted heavy casualties, exceeding 85,000 for the Allies, including over 31,000 deaths from combat, disease, and harsh environmental conditions.

British reliance on figures such as Gertrude Bell, who advised on dealings with Ottoman and Arab forces, marks a distinctive aspect of the campaign. Despite its costly and challenging nature, the Mesopotamia campaign contributed to securing British geopolitical and energy interests, which ultimately influenced the prominence of Brent crude as a global oil benchmark.