74693 - Energy Market and Security in the Baltic and Russia

Learning outcomes

The module is designed to provide an overview and in-depth analysis of the complex relationship between different players in energy sector in the Baltic region and in relation to the Russian strategies and political behavior. Upon completion of the module students will understand the context and the current situation in energy sector in the areas focused during the module. They will be also aware with the strategic documents of the common European energy policy and will be able to describe the major trends as well as the problems in the Baltic relations with Russia. Last but not least, students will be aware how to effectively acquire information about energy issues and security.

Course contents

Class 1: Introduction. Energy geopolitics: competing interests of the major actors

Class 2: LEC: Contemporary Russia and its energy policy

Class 3: LED: How energy becomes source of power (Astravets NPP and synchronization cases)?

Class 4: LEC: Europe’s energy policy: needs and deeds

Class 5: EXE: Building EU solidarity: views from the member states (on NSII)

Class 6: LEC: Changing Russia’s interests in Europe: energy and beyond

Class 7: LEC: Energy vulnerabilities of the Baltic States: Russian factor

Class 8: EXE: Escaping energy insecurity: the EU energy ministers’ informal discussion

Class 9: EXE: Escaping energy insecurity: Council of the EU (Consilium) negotiations

Class 10: LEC: Future perspectives of the EU-RF energy cooperation

Readings/Bibliography

1. Molis A., Nord Stream 2: Litmus Test For European Unity // Lithuanian foreign policy review, Foreign policy research center. Vilnius, 2018. ISSN 1392-5504, Vol 37
2. Molis A., Baltic Plug into European Electricity Network: Perspectives of Success // Humanities and social sciences: Latvia. Rīga: Latvijas Universitāte. ISSN 1022-4483. 2017, Vol. 25, iss. 7, p. 20-44.
3. Molis A., Towards a regional gas market in the Baltic states: political, economic and legal aspects // Humanities and social sciences: Latvia. Rīga: Latvijas Universitāte. ISSN 1022-4483. 2016, Vol. 24, iss. 1, p. 91-125.
4. Molis A., Energy security through membership in NATO and the EU: interests and achievements of Lithuania // Lithuanian foreign policy review. Vilnius : Foreign policy research center. 2015.
5. Molis A., Security implications of Russian energy policy : a view from the Baltic states // Russian energy and security up to 2030 / edited by Susanne Oxenstierna, Veli-Pekka Tynkkynen. London : Routledge, 2013. ISBN 9780415639644. p. 114-128.
6. Molis A., Building methodology, assessing the risks: the case of energy security in the Baltic States, Baltic Journal of Economics, Volume 11, Issue 2, 2011.
7. Molis A., A Baltic approach to security and defence issues in the context of NATO and the EU after Lisbon, V4 Papers No. 2, The Polish Institute of International Affairs, Warsaw 2011.
8. Molis A., EU-Russia energy relations: the Baltic perspective, IEP Study Programme on European Security, 2011
9. Perovic, “Russian energy power, domestic and international dimensions” in “Russian Energy Power and foreign relations”, Routledge, 2009. p.1-17
10. Loskot-Strachota, Agata (2008): Gazprom’s expansion in the EU – co-operation or domination?Warsaw: Centre for Eastern Studies. <http://www.batory.org.pl/doc/GP_EXP_US_1.pdf
11.  T. Romanova, “Energy policy of Russia: still in a state of flux?” in “Energy. Pulling the Baltic Sea region together or apaprt”, Latvian Institute of international affairs, 2009. p. 122-156

Teaching methods

Lectures, group work, discussions

Assessment methods

Written test - 60 %. Examination date –

Paper – 30 %. Submission deadline: 2019 06 17

Participation and activeness – 10 %

Office hours

See the website of Arunas Molis