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IR4569   Geopolitics of Energy in the Caspian Region

Academic year(s): 2025-2026

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

Availability restrictions: Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable: Thurs 12pm

The module discusses the links between energy and international politics and security in and around the Caspian Region. The module has three main objectives. First, it familiarises students with the main trends, issues and actors in regional and global energy markets. Next, it focuses on energy security by examining similarities and differences in the areas of water, minerals, oil and gas markets in the Caspian region. Lastly, it discusses a select number of case studies illustrating instances of cooperation and conflict over natural resources, issues in energy governance, pipeline diplomacy, China's reliance on resource mercantilism, the rise of resource nationalism in Russia and the Central Asian republics, as well as including environmental challenges in the Aral Sea basin.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass IR2006

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1-hour lecture (x 11 weeks) and 1-hour tutorial (x 10 weeks)

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%


Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr M Fumagalli
Module teaching staff: Dr M Fumagalli
Module coordinator email Matteo.Fumagalli@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

  • understand the historical place of the Caspian region within global politics and the global economy
  • understand the main trends, players, and issues in the regional energy market
  • "understand the intertwined nature of geopolitics and energy in the region; The impact of energy transitions on domestic politics and economies"
  • understand The challenges that climate change confronts the countries of the Caspian region and how the countries of the region are responding to energy transition
  • understand state transformation and internationalisation and state-society relations
  • understand the rise, potential and challenges of renewable energy sources in the region.