This thesis analyses the development of the Sino-European economic relationship in regards to the case of bilateral solar panel trade throughout the twenty-first century. The thesis illustrates the...Show moreThis thesis analyses the development of the Sino-European economic relationship in regards to the case of bilateral solar panel trade throughout the twenty-first century. The thesis illustrates the de facto economic relationship between the two powers according to international relation theory. A case study of the Chinese solar panels as a diplomatic tool, its export to the European market and the European response, and opening up of trade relations will conclude what role the solar panel export played in the development of Sino-European economic relations and which theory of international relations is most applicable in the case.Show less
Energy came to play a significant role in U.S. foreign policy during the twentieth century, particularly as a result of increasing import dependency. However, the last ten years has seen a...Show moreEnergy came to play a significant role in U.S. foreign policy during the twentieth century, particularly as a result of increasing import dependency. However, the last ten years has seen a remarkable transformation in the U.S. energy position that has been termed the shale revolution. The U.S. is now the world’s largest combined producer of oil and natural gas. This paper focuses on investigating how U.S. foreign policy has been impacted by the shale revolution, specifically looking at the strategies that have been adopted in order to advance U.S. foreign policy goals. The traditional divide in the literature on international energy affairs between realism and liberalism is critiqued. An international political economy approach to energy affairs is explained and utilised to show the successes and limitations of the U.S. approaches. The paper argues that the strategies adopted are more successful in advancing U.S. foreign policy goals where they are reflective of the principles of the IPE framework. This is demonstrated through an empirical approach that relies on two case studies that examine the role of the shale revolution, namely the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (Iran deal) and European energy security.Show less
