F1IE 4435 - The Geopolitics of Decarbonization

F1IE 4435 · Spring semester 2025-2026

Language of tuition
English
Course type
Cours séminaire
Number of hours
12
Credits
3

Information

Description

<This course explores how decarbonization is reshaping global power. It covers shifting geopolitical dynamics beyond fossil fuels, new dependencies on critical minerals, the current and potential role of key players such as China and Africa, the geopolitics of climate diplomacy and the importance of just energy transitions. During the classes, students will be asked to assess whether the transition stabilizes or disrupts international relations and the type of evolution they foresee.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understanding of the clean energy supply chains
  • Assess international vulnerabilities of the decarbonization process and its industry
  • Map the role, challenges and strategies of different regions

Professional Skills

Manage international projects

Assess critical vulnerabilities of the energy industry, identify solutions to address these

Establish international public affairs / advocacy strategies

Prerequisites

Understanding of the basics of decarbonized energy systems and of the role of fossil fuels in international relations

Teaching format

Feedback of the group work will be provided by the students, who will be asked to comment and asses each other. The written test will be done during the penultimate session, and corrected during the last one

Assessment

A written test will be organized before the end, and corrected during the last session. Students will also be asked to conduct some group work, and will be assessed on their participation.

  • Participation and assiduity 30%
  • Group work 40%
  • Written test 30%

Workload

  • In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
  • Online learning activities: 0 hours a week / 0 hours a semester
  • Reading and Preparation for Class: 2 hours a week / 12 hours a semester
  • Research and Preparation for Group Work: 2 hours a week / 12 hours a semester
  • Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 2 hours a week / 12 hours a semester

Readings

Main readings 5

  1. 1. Roman Vakulchuk, Indra Overland, Daniel Scholten, Renewable energy and geopolitics: A review, 2020, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Review

  2. 2. Mark Finley and Samantha Gross, Navigating market and political uncertainties in the age of energy transition, 2025, Brookings Institution

  3. 3. Tatiana Mitrova and Anne-Sophie Corbeau, PetroStates and ElectroStates in a World Divided by Fossil Fuels and Clean Energy, The National Interest, 2025

  4. 4. Ember’s publications

  5. 5. Carbon Brief’s publications

Teaching units

Unit no.Unit type Teaching unitsTeachers Number of hoursCredits
59238Cours séminaire The Geopolitics of Decarbonization Thibaud VOITA123

Teachers

  • Thibaud VOITA

In the curricula

Contacts and resources

Contact
ZANIRATO Tiziana