International Relations and Energy and Natural Resources module (CP52008)

In this module, you will learn to understand international environments. This will cover the interactions between international relations and the energy and natural resources industry.

In each session, you will be introduced to a relevant theory. This will be illustrated by a case study. This will help you understand both the theory and the empirical case. This will allow you to embrace the methodology as well as expand your knowledge.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• learn about a set of key international relations theories. This will cover theories such as realism, liberalism and geopolitics. You will also learn about the concept of energy security
• learn about a group of topical case studies. These will be in relation to international relations and energy-related disputes. This will cover disputes such as:
  • Sino-Japanese dispute in the East China Sea
  • the Iran Nuclear Crisis
  • the EU energy security policy
  • the US energy policy
  • Geopolitics and Central Asian natural resources
  • natural resources and African development

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• have a critical understanding of the principal theories, concepts and principles of the topic. You will understand the relationship between energy/natural resources and international relations. You will understand this from both theoretical and empirical standpoints
• understand international crises or disputes relating to energy and natural resources. You will understand how those events affect inter-states relations. You will also understand how those events affected international peace and order
• have an awareness of the key international relations theories. You will understand the features, trends and decision-making of the political aspects of international energy disputes

Assignments / assessment

• Classroom debate over a topical issue applying an IR theory (30%)
  • These will be due in week 24
• 3,000-word research paper (70%)
  • These will be due in week 29

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• lectures
  • one of the lectures will be taught by an invited speaker
• classroom discussions
• one session dedicated to classroom presentations and debates