Conducted in terms: 2025Z, 2026Z

Erasmus code: 14.6

ISCED code: 0312

ECTS credits: 3

Language: Polish

Organized by: Faculty of Political Science and International Studies

Security of energy and raw materials 2104-M-D3BEIS-BSS

The course covers the following topics:

1. Introduction to the course – methodology. Raw material security (energy resources, minerals/CRMs, land, water) and resource-related conflicts – definitions and scope. The traditional energy security paradigm – economic, geostrategic, environmental, and institutional dimensions. Principles of energy security. Energy and raw material security indices.

2. The energy security paradigm in the era of energy transition. Drivers of energy transition (climate change, economic factors, political factors) and its impact on energy security and state strategies. Energy transition roadmap.

3-4. Power dynamics (new centers of power) and raw material/energy security during the energy transition: the perspective of selected national strategies. The market for CRMs and technologies for the energy transition. Group projects – presentations.

5. Challenges to European energy and raw material security amidst shifting energy market dynamics. EU energy policy. The issue of the weaponization of CRM supplies.

6-7. Oil supply security. Oil as a strategic resource and the foundation of the global energy balance. Transport routes. Power dynamics – the role of OPEC, OPEC+, NOCs vs. IOCs. Exporter policies. The militarization of energy security ("oil conflicts," oil in contemporary Western interventions).

8. Security of gas supplies. Implications of the war in Ukraine for gas supply security.

9–10. Resource-related conflicts – oil, gas, mineral resources, land, and water in contemporary armed conflicts. The "resource curse" concept vs. resource scarcity as a source of conflict. Case study analysis:
Oil (Sudan and the Niger Delta)
Minerals (Sierra Leone, West Papua, DRC)
Land (Indonesia/Kalimantan, Colombia)
Water (disputed river basins)

11–12. Food and water security amidst the climate crisis. The weaponization of food and water in armed conflicts.

Term 2025Z:

1. Introduction

2. Resource conflicts. Concepts of the abundance paradox and resource curse.
Case studies: Indonesian conflicts, conflict in the South China Sea

K. Pronińska, Energy security and the armed intervention of the West after the Cold War, 'International Relations-International Relations', volume 51, issue 3 (theoretical part)
E. Aspinall, The Construction of Grievance: Natural Resources and Identity in a Separatist Conflict, "The Journal of Conflict Resolution" Vol. 51, Iss. 6, (Dec 2007), pp. 950-972.

P. le Billon, Resources and armed conflicts, in: P.le Billon, Fuelling War: Natural Resources and Armed Coflicts, Adelphi 2006.
Conflicts in Aceh, West Papua, South China Sea - ICG reports (including https://www.crisisgroup.org/asia/south-east-asia/indonesia/indonesia-resources-and-conflict-papua
https://www.crisisgroup.org/asia/south-east-asia/south-china-sea/south-china-sea-positions-and-facts

3. Energy and raw materials security - theoretical issues. The economic, geostrategic and ecological dimensions. Threats to energy security. Energy security indexes. Water and food security indexes.

K. Pronińska, "Energy security in EU-Russia relations. Geopolitics and economics of energy raw materials ", Warsaw (Elipsa) 2012, pp. 21-36 or R. Kuźniar (et al.)," International Security ", academic manual, Scholar 2011, pp. 306-317
D. E. Nye, Consumption of Energy, The Oxford Handbook of the History of Consumption, 2012.
M. A. Brown, Y. Wang, B. Sovacool, A. L. D’Agostino, forty years of energy security trends: A comparative assessment of 22 industrialized countries, Energy Research & Social Science 2014.
Indexes: internet

4. Analysis of global trends - world energy balance, supply and demand trends (oil, gas, coal, nuclear energy, renewable energy). Importers' policy and the issue of energy transformation. Importer policy case study: German Energiewende
D. Yergin, Ensuring Energy Security, "Foreign Affairs", March / April 2006.
Chapters on energy security in the "Strategic Yearbook" - editions: 2010/2011 pp. 261-268; 2012/13 pp. 323-329
IEA, World Energy Outlook 2017, OECD / IEA 2017, Executive Summary (and previous editions)

5. Oil market - history; operation (oil exchanges; species; prices; trade). System of forces - distribution of documented reserves; production; consumption. The role of OPE. Case study: US 'shale revolution'

K. Pronińska, Contemporary energy security environment from the perspective of the changing balance of power on the oil market, in: "Trends and development processes in contemporary international relations. Jubilee book on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Institute of International Relations at the University of Warsaw ", Wydawnictwo Naukowe Scholar, pp. 271-283;
Chapters on energy security (part 1 crude oil) from the "Strategic Yearbook" editions from 2014/15
IEA, World Energy Outlook 2017. OECD / IEA, Executive Summary.
www.opec.com

6. Global security of oil supply. Export and import structure. Geopolitics of transport routes. Study of oil crises - historical and contemporary cases of supply disruptions (causes, characteristics of the crisis, importance for the global market). NOCs vs. IOCs. Case studies profiles of OPEC and non-OPEC suppliers

7. Gas market - history; operation (gas pipelines vs. LNG; exchanges vs. KDT). System of forces - distribution of documented reserves; production; consumption; main transport routes - regional markets vs. global market? New production and transport technologies. European gas market. The structure of imports and exports, the importance of transit countries (Ukraine, Turkey). Case study: Southern Corridor projects Central Asia-EU.

8. Study of Russian energy policy - the state and challenges of the Russian fuel and energy sector, characteristics of Russian oil and gas diplomacy instruments. The importance of European direction vs. development of Asian majors.

9-10. Energy policy of the European Union - liberalization of the energy and gas market, security of supply, sustainable development. Diagnosis of EU energy security. Energy Union concept. Case study: Gazprom vs. KE

11. Energy security of Poland and the countries of Central and Central and Eastern Europe.

12. Energy and raw material security in Asia. Geopolitics of oil and gas transport routes to East Asia. Comparison of PRC and Japan energy security strategies.

Term 2026Z:

In addition to the topics outlined in the overarching section, the latest security environment dynamics indicate that the 2026/27 cycle will place particular emphasis on two case studies:
- the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the raw-materials dimension of the conflict in the Middle East;
- the US National Security Strategy (NSS) in the context of energy dominance and securing access to Critical Raw Materials (CRM) (including the Greenland case).
We also consistently monitor the dynamics of the conflict in Ukraine regarding the weaponization of the energy sector, the sanctions imposed on Russia, and successive sanctions packages, as well as their implications for energy security.

Course coordinators

Term 2026Z:

Michał Nadziak
Kamila Pronińska
Piotr Śledź
Anna Wróbel

Term 2025Z:

Kamila Pronińska

Type of course

obligatory courses

Prerequisites (description)

Upon commencing the course, the student should possess knowledge of international security as well as the ability to critically read academic articles and reports and to create a multimedia presentation (as part of group work).

Learning outcomes

Knowledge: K_W03, K_W04, K_W05, K_W06

- the student reconstructs fundamental concepts regarding energy and raw material security; defines energy and raw material security; utilizes basic energy security indices; identifies key supply-demand and gas-related trends; characterizes the most important elements of contemporary energy strategies and energy transition strategies, as well as the export strategies of selected importers and exporters.

Skills: K_U01, K_U02
- the student applies theoretical knowledge to an in-depth analysis of processes related to energy and raw material security,
- the student analyzes and utilizes statistical data and draws conclusions regarding the energy and CRM (Critical Raw Materials) markets, including solving strategic problems and addressing dilemmas within energy policy during the energy transition,
- the student analyzes contemporary armed conflicts in terms of their raw material dimension, including identifying fundamental links between modern market trends, the geostrategic dimension of energy/raw material security, phenomena such as the "resource curse" and raw material shortages, and armed conflicts,
- the student is able to work in a group and carry out projects requiring group cooperation.

Social Competences: K_K01
- the student critically evaluates their own knowledge and the information received through participation in debates and group work.

Type of activity / student workload:
- Seminar – in-class participation: 30 hours (including 1 hour for the mid-term test)
- Independent study – reading literature, preparing for ongoing classes, and preparing for the mid-term test: approx. 25 hours
- Teamwork – studying and developing group case studies and presentations (on energy transition strategies of selected countries and resource-related conflicts): approx. 30 hours
TOTAL STUDENT WORKLOAD (h): 75 hours
NUMBER OF ECTS CREDITS: 3.0 ECTS

Assessment criteria

- Attendance is mandatory (2 unexcused absences allowed); it is a prerequisite for passing the course and being admitted to the final test.
- Activity – substantive preparation for classes (based on the literature) in accordance with the syllabus, and participation in discussions (20% of the final grade).
- Group presentations on the energy strategies of selected countries (in the context of the energy transition), import-export profiles, and resource-related conflicts (30% of the final grade).
3. Test (50% of the final grade); a score of 50% on the test is required to pass.
- Assigned learning outcomes:

- Mandatory preparation and presentation of two group projects. The project must be prepared independently and in compliance with ethical principles, intellectual property protections, and the regulations in force at the University of Warsaw (UW) and the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies (WNPiSM) regarding the use of AI tools (Resolution No. 14 of the University Council for Education of July 13, 2020, on guidelines regarding standards and procedures for handling cases where course assignments and degree theses are prepared in violation of the law at the University of Warsaw; regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, the principles set out in Resolution No. 98 of the UW University Council for Education of December 8, 2023, on guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence tools in the education process, and Resolution No. 29/2025 of the WNPiSM Didactic Council of May 7, 2025, on detailed rules for the use of artificial intelligence tools in the education process, apply).

Assigned learning outcomes:
test result – K_W03, K_W04, K_W05, K_W06, K_U01
assessment of group projects – K_U01, K_U02, K_K01
assessment of activity – K_W03, K_W04, K_W05, K_W06, K_U01, K_U02

Practical placement

Bibliography

For statistical data analysis: Energy Institute Statistical Reveiw of World Energy (newest edition)
International Energy Agency - countries reviews oraz countrues profiels (najnowsze edycje) https://www.iea.org/countries
EU energy in Figures (newest edition)

K. Pronińska, Bezpieczeństwo energetyczne a interwencje zbrojne Zachodu po zimnej wojnie, „Stosunki Międzynarodowe-International Relations”, tom 51, zeszyt 3 (theory)
E. Aspinall, The Construction of Grievance: Natural Resources and Identity in a Separatist Conflict, ”The Journal of Conflict Resolution” Vol. 51, Iss. 6, (Dec 2007), ss. 950-972.

P. le Billon, Resources and armed conflicts, w: P.le Billon, Fuelling War: Natural Resources and Armed Coflicts,Adelphi 2006.
ICG reports including: https://www.crisisgroup.org/asia/south-east-asia/indonesia/indonesia-resources-and-conflict-papua
https://www.crisisgroup.org/asia/south-east-asia/south-china-sea/south-china-sea-positions-and-facts

K. Pronińska, „Bezpieczeństwo energetyczne w stosunkach UE-Rosja. Geopolityka i ekonomia surowców energetycznych”, Warszawa (Elipsa) 2012, ss. 21-36 lub R. Kuźniar (et. al.), „Bezpieczeństwo Międzynarodowe”, podręcznik akad., Scholar 2011, ss. 306-317
D. E. Nye, Consumption of Energy, The Oxford Handbook of the History of Consumption, 2012.
M.A. Brown, Y. Wang, B. Sovacool, A. L. D’Agostino, forty years of energy security trends: A comparative assessment of 22 industrialized countries, Energy Research & Social Science 2014.

D. Yergin, Ensuring Energy Security, ”Foreign Affairs”, marzec/kwiecień 2006.
Rozdziały dot. bezpieczeństwa energetycznego w „Rocznik Strategiczny” – edycje: 2010/2011 ss.261-268; 2012/13 ss. 323-329
IEA, World Energy Outlook 2017, OECD/IEA 2017, Executive Summary (oraz wcześniejsze edycje)

K. Pronińska, Współczesne środowisko bezpieczeństwa energetycznego z  perspektywy zmieniającego się układu sił na rynku ropy, w: „Tendencje i procesy rozwojowe współczesnych stosunków międzynarodowych. Księga jubileuszowa z okazji 40-lecia Instytutu Stosunków Międzynarodowych Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego”, Wydawnictwo Naukowe Scholar, ss. 271-283;
Rozdziały dotyczące bezpieczeństwa energetycznego (cz. 1 ropa naftowa) z „Rocznik Strategiczny” edycje od 2014/15
IEA, World Energy Outlook 2017. OECD/IEA, Executive Summary (cz. dot. ropy).
www.opec.com

B. Fattouh, How secure are Middle East oil supplies?, w: A. Wenger, R. Orttung, J. Perovic, Energy and the Transformation of International Relations, Oxford Univ. Press., 2009.
L. el-Katiri, B. Fattouh, On Oil Embargos and the Myth of the Iranian Oil Weapon, Oxford Energy Comment, Feb. 2012.
A. Kerr, Energy Security, The RUSI Journal, 2008.
Kryzysy naftowe – internet; współczesne zaburzenia dostaw ropy np. K. Pronińska, Bezpieczeństwo energetyczne w dobie zaburzeń dostaw ropy i globalnej debaty klimatycznej, „Rocznik Strategiczny 2013/14”;
Profile państw eksporterów: np. www.eia.doe.gov; IEA serie Country Reviews oraz IEA World Energy Outlooks (baza OECD); publikacje OIES https://www.oxfordenergy.org; K. Pronińska, „Bezpieczeństwo energetyczne w stosunkach UE-Rosja”, Warszawa 2010 (części dot. sektora naftowego Rosji) ; o różnicach w reżimach naftowych: M. Nassem i S. Naseem World Petroleum Regimes, w: Talus, K.. Research Handbook on International Energy Law. : Edward Elgar Publishing, 2014

D. Yergin, M. Stoppard, The Next Prize, ”Foreign Affairs”, listopad/grudzień 2003.
Rozdziały dot. bezpieczeństwa energetycznego w „Rocznik Strategiczny” – edycje: 2010/2011 ss.261-268; 2012/13 ss. 323-329; 2-13/2-14 ss. 161-163..
A.Honore, European Natural Gas Demand, Supply, Pricing, Oxford Univ. Press, 2010, ss. 12-32; 135-161
K. Barysch, Turkey’s role in European energy security, Centre for European Reform, Dec. 2007.
Studium przypadku Korytarz Południowy, np.: O. Sierra, A corridor through thorns: EU energy security and the Southern Energy Corridor, ”European Security”, 19:4, Dec. 2010, ss. 643-660 lub K. Pronińska, Bezpieczeństwo energetyczne w stosunkach UE-Rosja, Warszawa 2010, s. 361-375; 391-395 lub „Rocznik Strategiczny 2010/11”, ss.277-282.

K. Pronińska, Bezpieczeństwo energetyczne w stosunkach UE-Rosja…, ss. 181-196; 217-232; 391-325; 337-339;
Pipelines, politics and power. The Future of EU-Russia energy relations, Centre for European Reform, 2007, wybrane eseje (internet)
S. Pirani (red.), Russian and CIS gas markets and their impact on Europe, Oxford Univ. Press 2009 (cz. dot. Rosji)
K.Pronińska, Bezpieczeństwo energetyczne w dobie spadających cen ropy i wojny na Ukrainie, „Rocznik Strategiczny 2014/15”, ss. 144-153 (tu: sankcje nałożone na rosyjski sektor energetyczny)

R. Youngs, A new geopolitics of EU energy security, 23 Sept. 2014, http://carnegieeurope.eu/publications/?fa=56705
Evolution of EU Energy Policy w: Ali Tekin Paul, A. Williams, Geo-Politics of the Euro-Asia Nexus, Palgrave Macmillan, 2010, ss. 13-63
K. Pronińska, Bezpieczeństwo energetyczne w stosunkach UE-Rosja…, ss. 232-273; K. Pronińska Polityka energetyczna UE w warunkach zmiany modelu integracji europejskiej, w: T. Grosse (red.), Polityki europejskie w dobie kryzysu , Wydawnictwo Naukowe Scholar, ss. 197-226; rozdział dot. bezpieczeństwa energetycznego w „Rocznik Strategiczny” edycja 2014/15 ss. 153-158 i edycja 2015/16 (cz. dot. Unii Energetycznej)

A. Wenger, R. Orttung, J. Perovic, Energy and the Transformation of International Relations, Oxford Univ. Press., 2009, ss. 349-355.
Link: https://ec.europa.eu/energy/; w tym http://ec.europa.eu/priorities/energy-union-and-climate_en;

K. Pronińska, Wpływ współpracy energetycznej krajów Europy Środkowej na regionalne bezpieczeństwo energetyczne i politykę energetyczną UE, wyd. Centrum Europejskie Natolin, “Zeszyty CEN” nr 51, Warszawa 2013 (http://www.natolin.edu.pl/pdf/zeszyty/Natolin_Zeszty_51.pdf)
Rozdziały dot. bezpieczeństwa energetycznego Polski w „Rocznik Strategiczny”, m.in. „Rocznik Strategiczny 2012/13”, ss. 329-334
Polityka energetyczna Polski do 2030 r. (http://www.mg.gov.pl/files/upload/8134/Polityka%20energetyczna%20ost.pdf)

M.S. Dinu, New Strategy: Heartland or Energoland?, “Strategic Impact”, no 1/2011.
Studia przypadku np.: A.Wenger, R. Orttung, J. Perovic, Energy and the Transformation of International Relations, Oxford Univ. Press. 2009; www.eia.doe.gov, IEA serie Country Reviews oraz IEA World Energy Outlooks (baza OECD); publikacje OIES https://www.oxfordenergy.org.

Term 2025Z:

Materiał do analizy danych statystycznych na każde zajęcia: BP Statistical Review 2019 (internet)

K. Pronińska, Bezpieczeństwo energetyczne a interwencje zbrojne Zachodu po zimnej wojnie, „Stosunki Międzynarodowe-International Relations”, tom 51, zeszyt 3 (cz. teoretyczna)
E. Aspinall, The Construction of Grievance: Natural Resources and Identity in a Separatist Conflict, ”The Journal of Conflict Resolution” Vol. 51, Iss. 6, (Dec 2007), ss. 950-972.

P. le Billon, Resources and armed conflicts, w: P.le Billon, Fuelling War: Natural Resources and Armed Coflicts,Adelphi 2006.
Konflikty w Aceh, Papui Zachodniej, Morze Południowochińskie – raporty ICG (m.in. https://www.crisisgroup.org/asia/south-east-asia/indonesia/indonesia-resources-and-conflict-papua
https://www.crisisgroup.org/asia/south-east-asia/south-china-sea/south-china-sea-positions-and-facts

Term 2026Z:

Data for 2025 apply to this cycle—specifically, data from the *Energy Institute Statistical Review of World Energy* (2026 edition).

Notes

Term 2025Z:

Term 2026Z:

-AI use S1

A detailed class schedule—including dates, reading materials, and group assignments—is available to students registered in USOS at kampus.come.uw.edu.pl.