F1IS 4270 - Climate change and security, Geopolitical Approach, Risk Analysis and Foresight Techniques

This course is taught by a researcher and practitioner (Ministry of armed forces, Ministry of Industry) and combines both theoretical and applied perspectives.

From a theoretical perspective it investigates the multiscale effects climate change has on security dimensions, including energy. Ranging from international security policies to national responses or local perspectives down to the tactical level where military and civilian answers are shaping new patterns of climate risk management, it explores how climate change has become a global risk but is framed as a controversial security issue.

The course will take a geopolitical and applied perspective on the diverse aspects of this securitization process through the analysis and discussion of specific policy documents in class, feedback on security or military operations along with international negotiation strategies.

Learning outcomes:

• Climate risk assessment and analysis
• Geopolitical methods of multiscale analysis
• Contemporary climate security actors and their reasoning
• Diplomatic controversies on climate securitization process

Professional Skills:

• Risk analysis methods and scenario building
• Policy analysis and policy framing at local, national and international levels
• Collective and individual problem solving in a fast-changing environment

A basic knowledge of climate change main scientific facts

For oral presentations : at the end of the semester (when all students will have presented). But a general comment providing an overall assessment will be made just after the presentation.

For individual papers : throughout the semester in dedicated sessions in class

• Oral individual short presentation and debate on either a given topic or a scientific paper (40%). In class presentations throughout the semester. They will be used as applied case studies of the topic considered for each class (topics/themes will be suggested, students can also suggest their own after discussion with the instructor)
• Group papers and presentation on a climate risk and security assessment, the paper will be worked on both in class and at home (50%). Handed out at the end of the semester.
• Oral participation 10%

• In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 4 hour a week / 48 hours a semester
• Research and Preparation for Group Work: 20 hours a semester
• Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 30 hours a semester