International Relations in a Carbon-less World

Paper is due: see the syllabus. Submit electronically

Imagine that affordable alternative energy sources have finally emerged and fossil fuel such as oil and coil have become too expensive and thus almost obsolete. How could these changes affect the United States’ foreign policy and international relations? As an expert in international energy policies prepare a policy brief to the U.S. Congress. What is a policy brief? In general terms, this is a relatively short summary of an expert’s opinion (or several expert’s views) on a specific issue that has or may have implications on a country’s security, economic, or political situation. A policy brief usually offers a forecast and discusses the government’s policy options to deal with the issue in focus. Some suggestions on the best option are offered as well. Policy briefs are either solicited or offered to government policymakers and others who are interested in formulating or influencing policy (foreign policy in our case). In your brief, discuss the following:

· How plausible is it that affordable alternative energy sources finally emerge and ready for distribution in 5 years? In 10 years? Later? Explain your view. (1 point or 10% of the grade)

· Assume that that affordable alternative energy sources appear in several years. Which country or countries could be the biggest producers of such sources? Could it be China producing solar panels? Or maybe Brazil with its ethanol fuel? Could it be the United State or the European Union? Or maybe other countries? (10% of the grade)

· If oil no longer is a top commodity on the global energy market, how will this new development affect:

1. (1)  Washington’s policies toward Saudi Arabia?

2. (2)  Washington’s policies toward other oil-producing countries?

3. (3)  Washington policies toward China and China’s foreign policy?

4. (4)  European Union’s and the United States’ policies toward Russia?

(4 points or 40% of the grade)

· If oil no longer is a top commodity on the global market, how this will affect international relations in general? Will the new situation reduce or widen the North-South gap? Will regional conflicts increase or decrease? Will new international alliances (security, political, or economic) emerge and which ones? Discuss you opinions (40% of the grade)

· Overall conclusion: Discuss the key implications for the US foreign policy in a carbon-less world (10% of the grade)

Suggested length: 2,900 words

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