Political Science 392F - S-Global Energy Politics

Energy will play an ever-growing role in world politics as we move deeper into the 21st century, as global demand rises, supplies of certain fuels dwindle, and concern rises over the effects of climate change. This course will examine the global energy situation as it exists today and is likely to develop in the future, and will identify the ways in which energy issues are intruding into international politics. In particular, it will examine such concerns as the global supply and demand of oil and natural gas, the prospects for nuclear power, growing reliance on "unconventional" fuels, energy and climate change, energy geopolitics, and the prospects for energy alternatives. With this as background, the course will consider how various nations (especially the United States and China) are shaping their energy policies to best promote their national interests in a world of growing energy competition and accelerating climate change.

Open to Senior, Junior and Sophomore POLISCI majors.