This course offers a comprehensive examination of energy as both a source of geopolitical influence and strategic vulnerability. It analyses oil, gas, renewables and critical minerals through the lenses of state strategy, market dynamics and security of supply. The course addresses how the global energy transition is reshaping traditional producer–consumer relationships while generating new dependencies and areas of competition.
Participants will explore the strategic role of institutions such as OPEC, alongside the geopolitical consequences of decarbonisation policies and energy nationalism. Regional case studies examine energy chokepoints, sanctions regimes and infrastructure security. The course concludes by evaluating whether the energy transition mitigates geopolitical risk or redistributes it across new domains.