EU Energy Policy and Geopolitical Strategy in a Fragmenting World Order Course

Explore the European Union’s energy policy and its geopolitical role in a fragmenting world through undergraduate and graduate courses. Focusing on Eurasia and Africa, these courses use case studies and simulations to prepare students for careers in EU diplomacy, energy policy, and global security.

Undergraduate Course (Bachelor’s Level)

This course introduces students to EU energy policy and its geopolitical significance, examining supply dependencies, sustainability, and international relations. Through seminars and case studies, students analyse how energy strategies shape the EU’s regional and global influence, with a focus on Eurasia and Africa.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the development and goals of EU energy policy.
  • Identify key institutions and actors in EU energy governance.
  • Analyse energy policy’s intersection with foreign and security policy.
  • Evaluate the EU’s role in global energy politics through regional cases.

Assessment

  • Class Participation (25%): Engage in discussions and group exercises.
  • Case Study Report (25%): 1,500-word analysis of an EU energy issue (e.g., Southern Gas Corridor). Due Week 8.
  • Final Essay (50%): 3,000-word essay on EU energy strategy (e.g., EU-Africa diplomacy). Due Week 11.

Structure

  1. Introduction to EU Energy Policy and its Global Context: Examines the EU’s energy agenda and geopolitical challenges.
  2. A Brief History of Energy Integration in Europe: Traces the evolution of EU energy policy.
  3. The Role of the European Commission and Member States: Explores governance and decision-making.
  4. Energy Security and Infrastructure: Studies pipelines, grids, and LNG facilities.
  5. The Green Deal: Analyses climate and sustainability goals.
  6. Energy and Geopolitical Tensions: Focuses on Russia and Eastern Europe.
  7. Regional Case – The Southern Gas Corridor and Caspian Strategy: Examines Eurasian energy routes.
  8. EU External Energy Policy in the Mediterranean and Africa: Explores diplomatic partnerships.
  9. Transatlantic Energy Cooperation with the US: Investigates EU-US energy ties.
  10. Challenges of Energy Transition in Central and Eastern Europe: Addresses regional disparities.
  11. Student Presentations – Energy Strategy and Regional Power: Develops policy recommendations.

Graduate Course (Master’s Level)

This advanced course critically analyses EU energy policy as a driver of geopolitical transformation in a multipolar world. Through seminars, simulations, and research, students explore governance, strategic dependencies, and global engagements, focusing on Eurasia and Africa to develop strategic policy solutions.

Learning Outcomes

  • Critically evaluate EU energy policy within global power dynamics.
  • Assess institutional and diplomatic strategies in energy governance.
  • Analyse responses to energy crises and strategic dependencies.
  • Design policy solutions for EU energy resilience and global influence.

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., energy autonomy). Due Week 8.
  • Final Essay (50%): 5,000-word research paper on EU energy strategy (e.g., EU-Africa relations). Due Week 11.

Structure

  1. Theorising EU Energy Policy: Examines institutional and strategic frameworks.
  2. Energy as a Grand Strategic Domain: Explores autonomy vs. interdependence.
  3. Market Integration, Infrastructure, and Solidarity: Studies energy networks and cyber risks.
  4. Climate Diplomacy and the Green Deal: Analyses global climate leadership.
  5. Strategic Dependencies: Focuses on gas, hydrogen, and raw materials.
  6. Energy Coercion and the Russia–Europe Security Nexus: Examines sanctions and responses.
  7. Geoeconomics and Energy Diplomacy in the Neighbourhood and Africa: Studies EU partnerships.
  8. The EU and Global Energy Governance: Explores norms, law, and institutions.
  9. Energy Partnerships and Rivalries: Analyses ties with the US, China, and Global South.
  10. Scenario Planning – Strategic Forecasting: Develops future energy strategies.
  11. Simulation – EU Council Crisis Meeting: Simulates responses to an energy crisis.

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