Overview
Instructions:
Energy policy isn’t just about energy. There are important international economic interests and “power” dynamics involved as well. You are to write a brief paper exploring the basics of this issue, as it pertains to world politics. In particular, we are concerned with international dynamics associated with strategic geo-political interests, international cooperation, bargaining, economic well-being, as well as the “stability” of the planetary environment (I guess). The parameters of the assignment are as follows:
For Part One of this assignment, you are to review the three IR theories we have explored this semester. Explain each theory in detail. Next, you should explain the types of concerns each theory would focus on given the assumptions / perspective each holds, in relation to international energy policy. Why do the theories focus on the international dynamics they do? Develop your responses in titled sections (Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivism). Utilize supporting quotations from the assigned readings (especially the assigned articles).
In Part Two, you are to develop an energy policy for a randomly selected country in the world (use Belarus for the paper). The United States of America CANNOT be selected. Though, you may want to review energy related information regarding the U.S.A as you develop your country’s energy policy. This section is meant to be a policy brief / memo to the leaders of your state. This section should start with a summation of information critical to your country as it pertains to energy policy. Be as thorough as necessary to fully support the energy policy that you develop subsequently. This section will be assessed for your grade. Utilize the following links to obtain the needed country level information:
World CIA Factbook https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/ Our World in Data – Energy https://ourworldindata.org/energy
If you believe you require additional information resources, clear these with the instructor first. Before developing your energy policy, review ALL the links on the next page. These links are meant to aid you in your energy policy development. Once you have the needed information, develop your policy. NOTE the IR theory that most informs your policy perspective (Realism, Liberalism, or Constructivism). These policy memos cannot be overly idealistic or needlessly resistant to change. Your policy MUST be appropriate to the distinct international reality your state faces. A few points to consider: What is the objective of your policy? Why is your position the correct / best one? Explain why your state should follow your recommendations. How would you suggest your state achieve this objective? Will you have to CHANGE norms within your state to accomplish your goals? What are the associated cost and benefits of your policy recommendation? Do you have a time horizon in mind to achieve your energy policy goals? You are being graded on your comprehension and critical application of our IR theories to a real-world issue and its associated material facts. Good luck.
Information Links: "Cobalt Red": Smartphones & Electric Cars Rely on Toxic Mineral Mined in Congo by Children Trump, NATO, and Energy Foreign Policy https://www.c-span.org/video/?c5003264/user-clip-t... NORD Stream Pipeline Explosion https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/09/25/no... Germany Restarting Coal Powerplants https://www.npr.org/2022/09/27/1124448463/germany-... US Developing a Fusion Reactor https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-scienti... Zimbabwe’s Power Struggles https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/8/17/we-need-power-zimbabweans-hope-for-end-to-blackouts-as-election- nears China’s Belt and Road Initiative Japan and African Development https://archive.li/nXP1K Japan Export Its Education https://archive.li/BeoFD US Energy Interests in Africa https://www.voanews.com/a/us-seeks-to-diversify-ch...