Energy and geopolitics have been closed intertwined historically, although their relationship is changing. The module uses case studies from the Caspian region to discuss and reflect on such evolution in the early 21st century.
This module gives students the opportunity to investigate key issues in the global energy markets through a focused empirical study of a specific region by looking at a set of sectors in Caspian energy such as hydrocarbons, water, minerals, and renewable sources. The Caspian region is a fitting region for examining shifts in global energy since its varied natural resource wealth has attracted a wide range of actors, state and non, from regions close and afar. This module zooms in on the post-Soviet Central Asian republics and the South Caucasus (especially Azerbaijan). The role of China, Russia, the EU, the US - and other actors, where relevant – will also be considered. Inevitably, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has impacted energy dynamics and geopolitics in this region too, so this will be covered throughout the module.
This module gives students the opportunity to investigate key issues in the global energy markets through a focused empirical study of a specific region by looking at a set of sectors in Caspian energy such as hydrocarbons, water, minerals, and renewable sources. The Caspian region is a fitting region for examining shifts in global energy since its varied natural resource wealth has attracted a wide range of actors, state and non, from regions close and afar. This module zooms in on the post-Soviet Central Asian republics and the South Caucasus (especially Azerbaijan). The role of China, Russia, the EU, the US - and other actors, where relevant – will also be considered. Inevitably, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has impacted energy dynamics and geopolitics in this region too, so this will be covered throughout the module.
Course Type: 2022-2023 Modules
Shared Course: No
Feeder Course: No