1. Session 1: Introduction In Session 1, we will start by discussing some organizational issues. Then, we will explore the broader connection between natural resources and geopolitics. We will examine how natural resources have influenced European history in the past centuries. Additionally, we will analyze how different theories of international relations view the significance of natural resources. |
2. Session 2: Natural Resource Abundance as a Source of Domestic Conflict ("The Resource Curse") In Session 2, students will explore the main arguments linking natural resource abundance to domestic conflicts, both violent and non-violent. Contrary to common belief, the presence of natural resource wealth does not automatically lead to stable and prosperous countries. The "paradox of plenty" presents various explanations for this phenomenon. Some authors suggest that such wealth can create economic incentives for uprising against the state, while others argue that natural resource abundance can politically and economically weaken a state. This session will discuss these explanations and the concept of the "resource curse". |
3. Session 3: Natural Resource Scarcity as a Source of Domestic Conflict ("Resource Conflicts") In Session 2, we discussed the link between natural resource abundance and domestic conflicts. In Session 3, we will shift our focus to how natural resource scarcity, such as water or land scarcity, can increase the likelihood of conflicts. While media reports often predict more conflicts due to climate change, the academic literature presents a more nuanced perspective on the connection between resource scarcity and domestic conflicts. |
4. Session 4: Natural Resources as a Driver of Domestic Conflict ("Conflict Resources") Session 4 will conclude the section of the course dedicated to natural resources and domestic conflicts. In ongoing conflicts, the exploitation of natural resources can serve as a source of funding for warring parties. For some rebel groups, such activities are justified as a means to achieve their war objectives. However, in other cases, generating income from natural resources becomes an end in itself for the belligerents. Armed groups take advantage of the chaotic war situation to enrich themselves, and their primary interests lie in protecting their business and creating economic incentives to prolong the conflict. This situation often blurs the line between military and criminal activities. |
5. Session 5: The International Politics of Energy When people think about natural resources and geopolitics, oil is often the first thing that comes to mind. In this session, we will explore the influence of fossil fuel energy, such as oil and gas, on global competition and cooperation. We will also study how the renewable energy transition influences these dynamics. |
6. Session 6: The International Politics of Water There has been much discussion about future "wars for water," where states would compete for this increasingly scarce resource. While tensions surrounding water, such as the disputes about the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, exist, it is important to note that water can also serve as a driver for cooperation between countries as they are forced to reach agreements. This session will explore under which conditions water can be a source of international conflict or cooperation. |
7. Session 7: The International Politics of Land and Food Over the past two decades, there has been a significant increase in "land grabbing," where private or public actors acquire large parcels of land in other countries. The purposes of these acquisitions vary, with food production being a common motivation, along with environmental protection projects and other interests. However, these projects have faced scrutiny due to their negative consequences for local populations. This session will examine the drivers behind this trend. |
8. Session 8: The International Politics of Critical Raw Materials In an increasingly globalized economy, there is fierce competition for natural resources that are essential for the production of high-tech products. The EU, for example, has identified several "Critical Raw Materials" vital to its economy and associated with supply risks. Many of these materials, such as lithium used in batteries or rare earth minerals used as catalysts, are concentrated in a few countries, raising concerns about monopolies and their potential political or economic exploitation. This session will explore the political and economic significance of accessing these critical raw materials for major powers. |
9. Session 9: Global Resource Governance Institutions Global resource governance is not entirely anarchic, as there are various institutions in place to regulate specific aspects of this trade. Examples include the Kimberley Process for rough diamonds and EITI for promoting transparency in resource deals. This session will discuss the origins and objectives of some of these institutions. |
10. Session 10: To Infinity and Beyond? The Race to the Arctic, Deep Sea, and Space Throughout history, mankind has continuously pushed the boundaries in its quest for natural resources. Territories that were once considered inaccessible for exploration, such as the Arctic, have now become subjects of global rivalry. However, this competition extends beyond our planet. While it may still sound like science fiction, some countries are already contemplating space mining, whether it is on asteroids or the moon. Session 11 will study these new arenas of geopolitical competition for natural resources. |
11. Session 11: Coherences and Incoherencies in Resource Politics: The Case of the European Union In the eleventh and final session, we will examine how a major global actor, the European Union, incorporates resource politics into its policies. We will explore the EU's efforts to reconcile seemingly benevolent policy objectives, such as leveraging natural resources to drive economic progress in the global south, with geopolitical considerations regarding its own resource needs. |
