The War in Ukraine and New Challenges in the Mediterranean Geo-Energy Space

The aim of this course is to offer historical and conceptual tools for the analysis of the geopolitics of energy in the Mediterranean at the present time.

To this end, the course will focus on four basic aspects. The first, more conceptual and ideological, will explain how the concept of energy geopolitics was born in the 19th century, and how it is associated with relations between states based on an unequal territorial distribution of resources. The second question to be analyzed is how the Mediterranean, after the Second World War, and especially since the 1970s, emerges as an 'oil' territory and is integrated, through OPEC, into a structure of international oil governance that is Atlanticised (what we will call Opepisation). The third element of the course, will set some possible scenarios for the Mediterranean region, for the aftermath of the war in Ukraine in the context of petrolisation of international gas trade. Finally, the course will speculatively relate these changes to a hypothetical future hydrogen geopolitics.

Course leader

Aurèlia Mañé Estrada (Universitat de Barcelona)

Target group

The Barcelona Summer School of the Mediterranean and the Middle East is a joint initiative of IBEI, Blanquerna, DIPLOCAT and IEMED.

The 2023 edition of the School will consist of a number of interactive courses on the politics and international relations of the Mediterranean and the Middle East, taught by experts of international reputation. These will be complemented by various panel discussions, field trips and cultural events such as visits to the Union for the Mediterranean, La Pedrera-Casa Milà, FC Barcelona Museum and a movie afternoon, among others. This integrated structure will enable the programme to cater to the needs of both students and practitioners. The events will be free for all registered participants.

Course aim

The aim of this course is to offer historical and conceptual tools for the analysis of the geopolitics of energy in the Mediterranean at the present time.

To this end, the course will focus on four basic aspects. The first, more conceptual and ideological, will explain how the concept of energy geopolitics was born in the 19th century, and how it is associated with relations between states based on an unequal territorial distribution of resources. The second question to be analyzed is how the Mediterranean, after the Second World War, and especially since the 1970s, emerges as an 'oil' territory and is integrated, through OPEC, into a structure of international oil governance that is Atlanticised (what we will call Opepisation). The third element of the course, will set some possible scenarios for the Mediterranean region, for the aftermath of the war in Ukraine in the context of petrolisation of international gas trade. Finally, the course will speculatively relate these changes to a hypothetical future hydrogen geopolitics.