International Energy Policy

Topic

between war and climate change

With the Russian attack on the Ukraine, energy policy has received another huge boost in visibility and urgency. While the three constituents of energy policy (economics, sustainability, security) have been in the political and public discourse for many years, the dramatic consequences of the Russian warfare affect Western Europe in ways, experienced and suffered so far only in far distant world regions. We are therefore brutally forced to re-think our energy policy and to re-balance the triangle of affordable energy, environmentally neutral energy and secure energy supply. Amidst the threats of cold and dark winters on the one hand and a neglect of fighting climate change on the other hand, this seminar analyses the character of energy policy, the application of international relations theories and the practical question of how to shape energy policy for the future to meet all (conflicting) demands in this field.

The seminar may be of interest to students from related disciplines, such as law, economics and environment.