Geopolitics of EU Energy Security: Foundations and Challenges Course

Explore the geopolitics of EU energy security through undergraduate and graduate courses, focusing on policy, infrastructure, and global relations in Eurasia and Africa. These courses use case studies and simulations to prepare students for careers in EU diplomacy, energy policy, and international security.

Undergraduate Course (Bachelor’s Level)

This course introduces students to the geopolitics of EU energy security, covering policy evolution, infrastructure, and external relations. Through seminars and case studies, students analyse energy crises, regulatory frameworks, and strategic partnerships, with a focus on Eurasia and Africa.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the historical and geopolitical dimensions of EU energy policy.
  • Identify internal and external risks to EU energy security.
  • Analyse the impact of crises and infrastructure on EU strategy.
  • Assess how regulation, markets, and diplomacy shape energy security.

Assessment

  • Class Participation (25%): Engage in discussions and group exercises.
  • Case Study Report (25%): 1,500-word analysis of an EU energy crisis (e.g., Ukraine gas disputes). Due Week 8.
  • Final Essay (50%): 3,000-word essay on EU energy security (e.g., EU-Africa partnerships). Due Week 11.

Structure

  1. The EU’s Energy Puzzle: Examines Europe’s strategic geography and vulnerabilities.
  2. Energy Crises That Changed Europe: Studies OPEC, Ukraine, and other pivotal crises.
  3. Pipeline Power: Explores pipeline routes and their geopolitical significance.
  4. Gas as a Weapon: Analyses Europe’s dependence on Russian gas.
  5. The Green Deal and Its Enemies: Balances climate goals with security needs.
  6. LNG Politics: Investigates liquefied natural gas and its infrastructure.
  7. Infrastructure as Strategy: Addresses sabotage and cyber threats to EU systems.
  8. Borderlands and Buffer Zones: Focuses on Eastern Europe’s energy role.
  9. Regulation or Geopolitics?: Examines EU energy rules and their impact.
  10. Strategic Partnerships and Energy Diplomacy: Studies EU relations with Africa and Caspian regions.
  11. Scenario Lab – Energy Crisis in 2030: Simulates EU responses to a crisis.

Graduate Course (Master’s Level)

This advanced course critically examines the geopolitics of EU energy security in a multipolar world. Through seminars, simulations, and research, students analyse governance, crises, and global engagements, focusing on Eurasia and Africa to develop strategic policy solutions.

Learning Outcomes

  • Analyse EU energy security through global power competition.
  • Assess EU energy diplomacy and regulatory strengths.
  • Critique institutional responses to energy disruptions.
  • Design strategic responses for multipolar energy challenges.

Assessment

  • Class Participation (25%): Contribute to seminars and simulations.
  • Case Study Report (25%): 2,000-word policy brief on an EU energy issue (e.g., cyber threats). Due Week 8.
  • Final Essay (50%): 5,000-word research paper on EU energy security (e.g., EU-Gulf relations). Due Week 11.

Structure

  1. Energy Security as Grand Strategy: Explores the EU’s role in global energy politics.
  2. Crisis and Continuity: Examines OPEC, Ukraine, and COVID’s impact on EU policy.
  3. The Strategic Logic of Infrastructure: Studies control and resilience of energy systems.
  4. Energy as Statecraft: Analyses Russia, sanctions, and EU responses.
  5. The Political Economy of LNG: Investigates markets and shipping routes.
  6. Cyber-Security and Hybrid Threats: Addresses threats to EU infrastructure.
  7. Legal Instruments and Soft Power: Examines EU market law and trade agreements.
  8. Global Engagements: Studies EU energy ties with Gulf, Maghreb, and Indo-Pacific.
  9. The Politics of Regulation: Balances autonomy and market liberalism.
  10. Climate Geopolitics: Explores the EU’s role in global energy transitions.
  11. Scenario Lab – A Strategic Energy Crisis: Simulates EU Council policy responses.
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