Geopolitics of the Energy Transition (MEE200)

Content

The shift to renewables is at the center of the course, but innovative energy technologies are also included. To develop an understanding of energy in international politics, the course draws on theories such as neo-realism, neo-liberalism and transnationalism. Moreover, energy security concepts are used to illuminate the motives of individual states. Some background information on the framework conditions under which the transition is taking place will be studied. This includes knowledge about global governance institutions and industrial policy. The discussion covers different geographies and actors, including information on different cases in a variety of geographical areas (e.g. Africa, the Artic) and countries (e.g. Norway, Poland). Additionally, several international organizations and institution are included, e.g. the United Nations, IRENA, and the World Bank.

Geopolitics is not a unified concept and represents a blend of knowledge related to disciplines such as Political Science, International Relations, and Economics. To study this complex subject, a significant amount of historical knowledge will be presented. In that regard, the course follows Vaclav Smil who describes energy as the universal currency of our planet, a fundamental prerequisite of economic processes. Given the relatively high energy density of fossil fuels, the use of carbon-based primary energy has greatly expanded the economy of those countries that possess the technology necessary for its extraction and conversion. Paradoxically, however, the rapid growth that came with the use of fossil and later nuclear energy soon also revealed its downsides. Not only did the environmental impact of human activity grow, the switch to energy-dense fuels also intensified power struggles between nations. Green energy seems to break with this pattern. In this course we study where this leaves us in terms of geopolitics.

Learning outcome

Upon completing the course, the students will have the following knowledge, skills and competencies:

In terms of knowledge, students will have thorough knowledge into the following areas:

• International politics and state actions
• International relations theory and geopolitics
• Renewable energy in international politics
• Energy politics and policy in different geographical areas
• Energy security and the energy transition
• Global governance and the energy transition

In terms of skills, students should be able to achieve the following:

• Identify and describe geopolitically significant issues
• Explain theoretical concepts related to the geopolitics of energy
• Critically analyse cases through the application of various theoretical perspectives and methods
• Address various challenges of global energy governance
• Evaluate the prospects of the energy transition
• Discuss trajectories and negotiating actions

In terms of general competencies, students should be able to:

• Understand the energy transition in the international system
• Actively take part in discussions about international energy politics
• Apply complex knowledge such as historical and economic facts
• Communicate international challenges associated with the energy transition
• Write statements about international energy politics
• Collaborat with others through effective written and oral presentations

Required prerequisite knowledge

Recommended prerequisites

Exam

Coursework requirements

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Method of work

Open for

Course assessment

Literature