DSPO 22A22 - Geopolitics of the Overseas Territories, Maritime, and Hydrogen Nexus

This course examines the complex dynamics of overseas territories and their role as geopolitical nexuses for deisolation, decolonization, and decarbonization, with hydrogen and shipping as critical factors of either change or status quo. Through overseas territories-oriented case studies spanning continents and beyond Earth, students will explore the multifaceted interplay between territorial governance, resource sovereignty, international shipping, high cost of living, institutional design, climate change, and the inherent difficulties of transitioning to green energy systems in insular contexts. The seminar aims to provide a comparative and analytical lens for understanding how these dynamics intersect with broader themes such as strategic identity, economic sustainability, and environmental resilience. Using lectures, case-based discussions, and guest testimonies, the course connects the political geography of overseas territories to pressing global challenges, enabling students to engage with interdisciplinary approaches to policy analysis. By situating the governance and development of overseas territories within global energy and climate transition goals, students will develop the skills to address governance conundrums, evaluate opportunities for policy innovation, and propose solutions that balance local, national, and international priorities.

Mikaa MERED

Séminaire

English

Spring 2024-2025

● 20-questions multiple-choice questionnaire, taken in class at the beginning of Day 4 (or Session 7): 30% of the final grade ● Class participation: 10% of the final grade ● Final presentation (collective, group of maximum 5 students) or paper (individual): 60% of the final grade, to be handed in (individual paper) or presented online (collective) by May 11th, 2025 GROUP FINAL: Strategic case study, delivered in the form of a Powerpoint presentation of 12 to 20 slides, chosen from a list of available case studies presented on Day 2 (or session 3). INDIVIDUAL FINAL: Op-ed paper on a topic of the student's choice (600-1000 words).

At the end of the course, students will: 1. Understand the geopolitical, economic, and environmental significance of overseas territories in the 21st century. 2. Analyze how deisolation, decolonization, and decarbonization dynamics interact to shape the development of overseas territories and their connections with their “mainland” (when applicable). 3. Critically evaluate the role of the maritime sector, hydrogen and other renewable energy technologies in fostering sustainable economic, territorial connectivity, and decolonial ecology models. 4. Map institutional, economic, and cultural mechanisms for understanding both the complexity of overseas territories and their strategic importance for the States which keep on administrating such territories. 5. Be able to organize and propose actionable policy recommendations that reflect the socio-political, economic, and ecological complexities of these territories, environments, and societies. 6. Develop advanced communication skills through professional-grade structured case analyses, debates, and presentations before actual practitioners located or involved in the just development of Overseas Territories.