97418 - ENERGY MARKET AND SECURITY: THE BALTICS AND RUSSIAN APPROACHES COMPARED

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?

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: Energy vulnerabilities of the Baltic States: Russian factor

Class 7: LEC: Success story of Lithuania

Class 8: LEC: Future assumptions: what could be the impact of Covid-19?

Class 9: EXE: Escaping energy insecurity: the EU energy ministers’ informal discussion

Class 10: EXE: Escaping energy insecurity: Council of the EU (Consilium) negotiations

Readings/Bibliography

1. Molis, Arunas; Palazzo, Claudia; Ainsalu, Kaja. Mitigating Risks of Hybrid War: Search for an Effective Energy Strategy in the Baltic States // Journal on Baltic Security. Tartu, Estonia. Online ISSN: 2382-9230. 2018, 4 (2): 1-10.
2. Molis, Arūnas; Sglavo, Simona; Aiello, Angela. Nord Stream 2: Litmus Test For European Unity // Humanities and social sciences Latvia. Rīga: Latvijas Universitāte. ISSN 1022-4483. 2018, Vol. 26, iss. 2,
3. Molis, Arūnas; Juozaitis, Justinas. Baltic plug into European electricity network: perspectives of success // Humanities and social sciences Latvia. Rīga: Latvijas Universitāte. ISSN 1022-4483. 2017, Vol. 25, iss. 1, p. 20-44.
4. Nord Stream 2: Litmus Test For European Unity // Lithuanian foreign policy review, Foreign policy research center. Vilnius, 2018. ISSN 1392-5504, Vol 37
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Energy security through membership in NATO and the EU: interests and achievements of Lithuania // Lithuanian foreign policy review. Vilnius : Foreign policy research center. 2015.
8. NATO transformation and the energy security: perceptions and role of the “newcomer“ // Newcomers no More? Contemporary NATO and the Future of the Enlargement from the Perspective of “Post-Cold War” Members, International Relations Research Institute, Warsaw, 2015.
9. 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.
10. Building methodology, assessing the risks: the case of energy security in the Baltic States, Baltic Journal of Economics, Volume 11, Issue 2, 2011.
11. 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
12. EU-Russia energy relations: the Baltic perspective, IEP Study Programme on European Security, 2011.

Teaching methods

Lectures, group work, discussions

Assessment methods

Written test - 60 %. Examination date – few weeks after course (upon agreement)

Paper – 30 %. Submission deadline: few weeks after course (upon agreement)

Participation and activeness – 10 %

Teaching tools

MS TEAMS + residual lectures in Forli

Office hours

See the website of Arunas Molis