Overview
Energy security and energy diplomacy have emerged as critical global issues with far-reaching implications for nations, economies, and international relations. Energy, being the critical component of modern societies, plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth, ensuring national security, and addressing pressing environmental challenges. The secure and reliable supply of energy resources, coupled with effective diplomatic strategies, is essential to maintain stability, promote sustainable development, and address global energy challenges. The intersection of energy and statecraft has become a critical area of study and practice, with profound implications for countries’ economic stability, geopolitical influence, and environmental sustainability.
Energy, as a strategic resource, influences the behavior of nations, shapes alliances, and impacts global power dynamics. It has the potential to serve as both a catalyst for cooperation and a source of conflict among nations. Understanding the intricate relationship between energy security and energy diplomacy is crucial for effectively managing energy resources, mitigating risks, and promoting stability in an increasingly interconnected world.
Key stakeholders, including governments, policymakers, energy companies, and international organizations, recognize the need to integrate energy considerations into their diplomatic strategies. Energy security encompasses the availability, accessibility, affordability, and reliability of energy sources, while energy diplomacy focuses on the negotiation and collaboration among nations to achieve mutual energy interests and address shared challenges.
The importance of energy security and energy diplomacy in statecraft cannot be overstated. Nations that possess a robust energy security strategy are better equipped to navigate geopolitical challenges, respond to disruptions in energy supply, and safeguard their economic prosperity. Energy diplomacy, on the other hand, enables countries to build alliances, negotiate energy agreements, and influence global energy governance frameworks.
Mission
The mission of the Center for Energy Security and Diplomacy Studies is to leverage The Institute of World Politics’ (IWP) established strengths and regional expertise to meet the pressing academic demand for critical analysis and objective risk assessment in the strategically significant and often misunderstood field of energy security and energy diplomacy. By capitalizing on IWP’s distinctive grasp of global realities and dedication to scholarship informed by real-world experience, the Center aims to enrich the current academic curriculum. Its primary focus will be to identify and interpret observable risks and threats, providing both theoretical comprehension and practical scenarios and solutions.
By establishing a Center for Energy Security and Diplomacy Studies at the IWP, we aim to deepen our understanding of the complex interplay between energy and statecraft. This Center will serve as a platform for research, education, policy engagement, and international collaboration, with a focus on advancing knowledge and expertise in the field of energy security and energy diplomacy.
Through this initiative, we will empower students, researchers, and policymakers to analyze energy challenges, develop effective strategies, and contribute to global energy governance. By integrating the principles of energy security and energy diplomacy into the realm of statecraft, we can foster stability, cooperation, and sustainable development in the energy sector.
The Center for Energy Security and Diplomacy Studies will serve as a beacon of knowledge, offering insights, expertise, and innovative solutions to address the energy and statecraft challenges of the 21st century. With a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, policy relevance, and international cooperation, the Center will play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of energy leaders and fostering a more secure and sustainable energy future.
Key Objectives:
Research: The Center will undertake cutting-edge research on energy security and diplomacy, focusing on areas such as energy geopolitics, energy transition, renewable energy security, energy infrastructure resilience, and energy governance. The research findings will contribute to the academic knowledge base and inform policy decisions.
Education and Training: The Center will offer specialized courses, workshops, executive and academic training programs on energy security and energy diplomacy, aimed at enriching students’ knowledge and expertise in energy and statecraft. These educational initiatives will equip students with the skills and insights necessary to navigate the complex intersection of energy and international relations.
Energy Events: The Center aims to foster collaborative efforts by hosting a series of impactful events. Among its key objectives is to bring together distinguished scholars, practitioners, policy makers, academics, and experts in the realms of energy security and diplomacy. These gatherings will serve as vital platforms for in-depth discussions, allowing participants to exchange insights, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions to the challenges facing the global energy landscape. By facilitating these engaging events, the Center will contribute to the advancement of knowledge, the promotion of effective policies, and the cultivation of a dynamic network of professionals dedicated to shaping a sustainable and secure energy future.
Policy Engagement: The Center will actively engage with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and international organizations through policy dialogues, conferences, and expert consultations. By providing a platform for informed discussions, the Center will facilitate the formulation of effective energy security policies at regional, national, and global levels.
International Collaboration: The Center will establish partnerships with leading academic institutions, research centers, and think tanks worldwide, fostering international collaboration on energy security and energy diplomacy. These collaborations will enable knowledge exchange, joint research projects, and shared resources, enhancing the Center’s global impact and promoting cross-cultural understanding.
Outreach and Awareness: The Center will organize public lectures, seminars, and awareness campaigns to disseminate knowledge and raise public awareness about energy security and its implications for diplomacy. By engaging with the wider community, the Center will foster informed discussions and promote sustainable energy practices.
Leadership
The head of the Center for Energy Security and Diplomacy is Dr. Sara Vakshouri.
Past Lectures
Below are lectures organized by Dr. Sara Vakhshouri:
Global Energy Security: The Role of Canada
with Mr. James Rajotte, Mr. Craig Weichel, and Dr. Sara Vakhshouri
April 17, 2023
Video
The Russia-Ukraine War and Global Energy Security
with Mr. Kelly Ogle and Dr. Sara Vakhshouri
June 21, 2022
Video
COVID-19 and Global Energy Security
with Dr. Sara Vakhshouri and Mr. C. Derek Campbell
June 22, 2020
Video
Measuring Energy Security Risk: Assessing Risk in a Global Energy Market
with Stephen D. Eule
November 4, 2019
Video
Israel’s Energy Security and Strategy: Changing Dynamics in the Age of Gas
with Dr. Sujata Ashwarya
September 18, 2019
Video
New Dynamics of Energy Security; U.S. Sanctions on Iran & Venezuela, Shale Boom & OPEC
with Dr. Sara Vakhshouri
April 22, 2019
Video
Energy Security: New Market Realities
with Dr. Sara Vakhshouri
September 25, 2017
Video
Intern Highlight
David Charles Clarke, an IWP intern during the summer 2022 semester, submitted his research work for the prestigious Gulf Research Meeting, an annual peer-reviewed conference held at the University of Cambridge, under the guidance of Dr. Sara Vakhshouri. His research paper was accepted and presented in July 2023. Read more about his experience
