OCEU 2195 - Energy Geopolitics of State Capitalism: Russia, China and Central Asia

***UPDATED for 2025/26***

This course analyzes how state capitalism shapes energy systems and geopolitical strategies in Russia, China and Central Asia - three regions where the state remains the dominant actor in energy governance, investment, and global positioning. Students will examine Russia’s post-2022 transformations under sanctions, Central Asia’s evolving regional energy dynamics, and China’s state-led model combining energy security, industrial policy, and decarbonization. The course also explores how sanctions and technological fragmentation reshape energy markets and global trade flows. Through simulations, case studies, and discussions with leading experts, students will develop the analytical tools needed to assess the resilience and future trajectories of state-driven energy systems.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Critically analyze the political, institutional, and macroeconomic foundations of state-capitalist energy systems in Russia, China and Central Asia, including regulation, governance structures, stakeholder interests, and strategic decision-making.
• Interpret and evaluate energy balances, production and export data, corporate strategies, and geopolitical drivers across the three regions, integrating quantitative data and qualitative analysis.
• Assess and propose policy responses to key contemporary challenges - technological isolation, sanctions, regional competition, and energy transition pressures - facing Eurasian energy systems.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

• Research & analysis
• Critical thinking
• Stakeholder analysis and negotiation
• Teamwork and collaboration (via simulation and group exercises)
• Oral and written communication
• Data interpretation and visualization
• Geopolitical and economic risk assessment
• Policy evaluation and strategic foresight
• Problem-solving in complex institutional systems

Feedback on the final policy paper will be provided at the end of the semester. Informal feedback on participation, presentations, and group work will be given throughout the term.

Regular attendance and active participation in discussions is expected. Validation is based on class participation, work in mini-groups, preparation of student presentations, and the individual policy paper.

• Individual participation in the class work (questions, comments, brainstorming): 10% (evaluated 6 times)
• Group work (business game / simulation): 20% (evaluated once)
• Individual oral presentation: 30% (evaluated once)
• Final individual policy paper: 40% (end of semester)

• In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Online learning activities:
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 30 hours per semester
• Research and Preparation for Group Work: 36 hours per semester
• Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 60 hours per semester