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DIP-707: Diplomacy, Oil & Energy

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course examines the complex and evolving relationship between diplomacy, oil, and energy in international relations. Energy is not merely a commodity; it is a tool of statecraft, a driver of alliances, and a factor that can reshape the global balance of power . Students will explore how oil producers and consumers use supply control, infrastructure projects, and pricing to influence international relations, and how pipelines, chokepoints, and sanctions feature in diplomatic bargaining . The course is divided into two complementary parts. The first part (Periods 1–3) uses Hayden Van Der Post et al.’s Oil, Power, and Geopolitics to build a foundational understanding of how energy resources influence alliances, conflicts, economic strategy, and national security decisions across the world . The second part (Periods 4–5) uses Vincent Pearce’s Understanding Petroleum Diplomacy in 75 Questions to provide a structured, question-driven analysis of the strategies, mechanisms, and consequences of petroleum diplomacy, including its interaction with climate negotiations, energy transitions, and security issues from the Arctic to the Persian Gulf . The course prepares students for leadership roles in diplomacy, energy policy, international organizations, and strategic analysis.

COURSE TEACHING OBJECTIVES

  1. Analyze the historical evolution and theoretical foundations of oil and energy as instruments of diplomacy and statecraft.

  2. Evaluate how energy resources influence alliances, conflicts, economic strategy, and national security decisions .

  3. Assess the role of pipelines, shipping routes, and strategic chokepoints in global security and diplomatic bargaining .

  4. Critically examine the strategies, mechanisms, and consequences of petroleum diplomacy, including supply control, pricing, and infrastructure projects .

  5. Apply petroleum diplomacy frameworks to contemporary case studies, including the energy transition, climate negotiations, and emerging geopolitical rivalries .

  6. Synthesize theoretical and empirical knowledge to formulate evidence-based assessments of energy diplomacy challenges and opportunities.

COURSE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Explain the historical and geopolitical foundations of oil and energy diplomacy.

  2. Identify the key actors, mechanisms, and instruments of petroleum diplomacy.

  3. Analyze how energy resources shape foreign policy, strategic alliances, and international order.

  4. Evaluate the role of chokepoints, pipelines, and infrastructure in energy security and diplomatic leverage.

  5. Critically assess the interaction between petroleum diplomacy and climate negotiations, energy transitions, and security issues .

  6. Apply course concepts to a specific energy diplomacy case study.

  7. Produce a well-reasoned research paper on a contemporary energy diplomacy challenge.

ORGANIZATION OF COURSE STUDIES

The course is organized into five study periods (typically 2–3 weeks each, though self-paced). Each period includes intensive reading of the assigned textbook, viewing of the supplementary video, and a short response paper or reflective assignment (500–1,000 words) reflecting on the material and its application. Students must contact the instructor for feedback after each period.

Course Content

End of Course Student Feedback Form (all students must complete this form after receiving grade).

End-of-Course Student Feedback Survey
50

Course Instructor:

This is course is supervised by a primary instructor/faculty member and may also be served by a backup instructor.

The International Faculty Coordinator will confirm the assignment. Do not contact any instructor prior to LMS enrollment with faculty assignment confirmed.