Explore the critical role of energy in global politics through undergraduate and graduate courses in Geopolitics and Energy Security. Focusing on Eurasia and Africa, these courses blend theory, case studies, and practical analyses to prepare students for careers in diplomacy, energy policy, and international organisations.
Undergraduate Course (Bachelor’s Level)
This course introduces students to energy geopolitics, examining how energy shapes state behaviour, global security, and regional dynamics. Through interactive seminars and case studies, students analyse historical and contemporary energy systems, with a focus on Africa and Eurasia.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand key concepts in energy geopolitics and major actors involved.
- Assess trends in energy supply, demand, and transportation networks.
- Develop skills in descriptive and map-based analyses of regional energy systems.
Assessment
- Class Participation (25%): Engage in discussions and group exercises.
- Case Study Report (25%): Analyse an energy-related geopolitical event.
- Final Essay (50%): Explore a topic in energy security, e.g., Africa’s energy challenges.
Structure
- Introduction to Geopolitics and Energy Security: Overview of energy’s role in global politics.
- Theories of Energy and Geopolitical Power: Key frameworks in IR and geopolitics.
- Oil, Gas, and Global Power: Historical and current dynamics of hydrocarbon markets.
- Infrastructure and Maritime Chokepoints: Risks to pipelines and shipping routes.
- Energy and Conflict: Case studies of resource-driven disputes in Africa.
- The Global South and Energy Security: Energy access and development challenges.
- Major Powers and Energy Strategy: Strategies of the US, China, and Russia.
- Renewable Energy and Transition Politics: Impacts of green energy shifts.
- Climate Change and Security Dimensions: Environmental risks to energy systems.
- Africa’s Energy Geopolitics: Energy governance and foreign influence in Africa.
- Future Trends in Energy Security: Emerging technologies and geopolitics.
Graduate Course (Master’s Level)
This advanced course critically examines the geopolitical and governance dimensions of energy systems, drawing on theoretical frameworks and primary sources. Students engage with strategic, ethical, and policy debates, focusing on energy transitions and multipolar dynamics in Eurasia and Africa.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply theoretical frameworks to analyse energy geopolitics.
- Evaluate strategic and ethical debates in energy transitions.
- Conduct independent research using policy documents and primary sources.
Assessment
- Class Participation (25%): Contribute to seminars and debates.
- Case Study Report (25%): Develop a policy brief on an energy issue.
- Final Essay (50%): Research a topic, e.g., Africa’s role in green transitions.
Structure
- Framing Security and Power in Energy Geopolitics: Concepts and challenges.
- Theoretical Frameworks: Institutionalism, realism, and energy governance.
- Hydrocarbons and Strategic Leverage: Oil and gas in global power dynamics.
- Infrastructure as Power: Security of energy grids and cyber threats.
- Conflict and Resource Competition: Energy disputes in Eurasia and Africa.
- Energy Justice and Global Inequality: Ethical debates in energy access.
- Strategic Doctrines of Major Powers: Foreign policy and energy strategies.
- The Green Transition and Geopolitical Change: Renewable energy politics.
- Climate Diplomacy and Energy Risk Governance: Role of international institutions.
- Africa in a Multipolar Energy Order: Africa’s strategic energy partnerships.
- Energy Futures: Technological and geopolitical trends.