Explore the strategic role of energy in Russian foreign policy through undergraduate and graduate courses, focusing on Eurasia and Africa. Using case studies and simulations, these courses prepare students for careers in energy policy, diplomacy, and international security.
Undergraduate Course (Bachelor’s Level)
This course introduces students to the role of energy in Russia’s foreign policy, examining how oil, gas, and pipelines shape its global and regional influence. Through seminars and case studies, students analyse Russia’s energy strategies and their geopolitical impact in Eurasia and Africa.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the link between energy resources and Russian foreign policy.
- Identify key institutions and actors in Russia’s energy strategy.
- Analyse energy’s geopolitical role in Russia’s relations.
- Evaluate case studies of Russia’s energy diplomacy and conflicts.
Assessment
- Class Participation (25%): Engage in discussions and group exercises.
- Case Study Report (25%): 1,500-word analysis of a Russian energy issue (e.g., Ukraine gas disputes). Due Week 8.
- Final Essay (50%): 3,000-word essay on Russia’s energy strategy (e.g., Russia-Africa ties). Due Week 11.
Structure
- Introduction to Energy Geopolitics: Examines energy’s role in Russian statecraft.
- The Rise of Russia as an Energy Superpower: Traces Russia’s energy dominance.
- Gazprom and State-Controlled Energy Institutions: Explores state energy actors.
- Pipelines as Power: Studies Europe’s dependency on Russian pipelines.
- Russia’s Energy Relations with Central Asia and the Caucasus: Focuses on Eurasian dynamics.
- Nord Stream, TurkStream, and Transit Politics: Analyses pipeline strategies.
- Energy and Conflict: Examines Ukraine and post-Soviet energy disputes.
- Energy Diplomacy in the Middle East and Asia: Explores global partnerships.
- Nuclear Energy and Rosatom: Investigates Russia’s nuclear exports.
- Sanctions, Market Volatility, and Adaptation: Assesses external pressures.
- Simulation – Designing an Energy Strategy: Simulates Russian MFA policy-making.
Graduate Course (Master’s Level)
This advanced course critically examines Russia’s use of energy as a foreign policy tool in a multipolar world. Through seminars, simulations, and research, students analyse hydrocarbons, infrastructure, and global transitions, focusing on Eurasia and Africa to develop strategic policy solutions.
Learning Outcomes
- Analyse how Russia uses energy to pursue strategic objectives.
- Evaluate institutional and geopolitical frameworks guiding Russia’s energy policy.
- Critique regional and global case studies of energy leverage and contestation.
- Assess long-term implications of energy sanctions, green transitions, and great power competition.
Assessment
- Class Participation (25%): Contribute to seminars and simulations.
- Case Study Report (25%): 2,000-word policy brief on a Russian energy issue (e.g., energy sanctions). Due Week 8.
- Final Essay (50%): 5,000-word research paper on Russia’s energy strategy (e.g., Russia-Africa partnerships). Due Week 11.
Structure
- Strategic Theory and Energy Statecraft: Explores Russia’s energy strategy frameworks.
- Oil, Gas, and Russian Power: Examines the political economy of hydrocarbons.
- Infrastructure as Geopolitical Architecture: Studies pipelines, ports, and cyber risks.
- Energy and the EU: Analyses dependence and decoupling efforts.
- Energy Security in the Post-Soviet Space: Focuses on coercion and cooperation.
- Russia–China Energy Relations: Explores Asia’s growing energy ties.
- Rosatom, Nuclear Diplomacy: Investigates nuclear exports to Africa and beyond.
- Hydrocarbons in the Middle East: Examines partnerships and competition.
- Sanctions, Technology Denial, and Resilience: Assesses global constraints.
- Energy, Climate, and Global Transition: Explores Russia’s role in green shifts.
- Simulation – Strategic Brief to the Security Council: Simulates Russian energy diplomacy.