210051 PS BAK7: The International Political Economy of Energy (2025S)

The seminar accompanies and builds on the lecture Introduction into International Politics (BAK7). The thematic focus of the reading course is on the International Political Economy of energy.

The course is divided into three parts:
Part I, focuses on historical roots the current world order, and the role of fossil fuels in it. Part II, introduces students to the field of energy politics, with a special emphasis on the energy trilemma, between security of supply, ecological sustainability and energy justice. Finally, part III deals with the relationship between energy, democracy and the question of a just transition.

Students will be introduced to important concepts and theories of (Critical) International Political Economy and International Politics, such as Carbon Capitalism, hegemony, securization of energy, and the socio-ecological transition. Additionally, students are also encouraged to discuss current political issues and critically apply theory to these events. Active participation is expected of the students. There will be regular group discussions, debates and smaller working tasks during the course.

This course is reading intense. Students are expected to read, and to critically engage with and reflect upon the literature for each session. There will be questions about the literature of each session, with the exception of the first and the final session. The students have to submit the answers to these questions puntually before the session in question. .

Additionally, there will two graded group works. The first group work: Presenting an academic poster during a poster session. The final session of the seminar will be organized by the students themselves. This is the second group work. Here the students will be relatively free in the way they organize this session. However all students have to participate and must submit a short protocol showcasing their involvement (300-500 words) immediately after the final session of the course.