Global Energy Policy: From Israel to Iran

3 units

This course examines how the global energy markets operate and how energy policy is formulated, with a special focus on the Middle East. Students interested in working in the energy and/or policy world will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in energy policy formulation and its profound impact on national security, the economy, and foreign policy. Students will deal with issues such as securing energy markets and suppliers, managing oil revenue, deciding on the country's fuel mix for electricity, promoting nuclear energy in the Middle East, engaging with environmental concerns, using energy resources as a weapon in foreign policy, subsidizing renewable energy, and the role of energy in war. After learning the basics of the energy market, students will focus on the major players in the Middle East and examine their energy markets -- from Israel to Saudi Arabia and Iran -- including the involvement of foreign actors such as the United States and Russia. They will then be tasked with writing their own op-eds and policy papers to try and influence the process of energy policymaking and to gain experience writing for different audiences. The course will include a guest lecture by an executive from a major coal producer operating in St. Louis (depending on availability) and an optional class visit to a renewable energy project near St. Louis.