Energy constitutes a major lifeline in all societies and one of the most crucial sources of maintaining and developing global life. Access to energy is a necessary element of a state’s security. At the same time, «the energy business» is a very complex topic. In order to understand it, one must deal with a myriad of different issues connected to this topic. The class focuses on energy policy and energy security understood in the context of global and Eurasian political economy and international relations. The course offers different perceptions of energy security in importing and exporting nations and aims at contemporary development in providing energy security on global, regional, and national levels.
Energy security includes three components: reliability of supply, affordability of supply, and environmental friendliness. While all three elements are considered essential to energy security, most states promote some elements more than others. Special attention will be given to Russia as one of the major energy powers around the globe. Students will analyze the current developments in the energy sector from political, economic, legal, and environmental angles.