PhD Title

Energy Co-operation in Asia-Europe Interregional Relations

Supervisors

Professor Christopher Dent (first supervisor) and Professor Jörn Dosch

Research Study

Energy security did not only become an important part of inter-state relations but it evolved into a structuring feature of international relations. This is a major element in the field of international relations with potentially far-reaching consequences on states' relations with third countries.

Both European and Northeast Asian countries have put energy security at the top of their agendas. For Northeast Asia in particular - China, Japan and Korea -, energy is already a priority issue. Not only does the region account for three out of the ten largest energy consuming countries in the world, but it is also challenged by the energy-related repercussion of China's massive economic development, which affects not only the region's energy situation but the entire world's energy security calculus. Looking at Europe, energy has always been at the very core of the European project, both as a political tool, but also due to Europe's high energy supply dependence. Throughout the years, the EU even developed its very own approach to energy security, to become one of the global leaders when it comes to energy, environment and climate change issues.

Geographically and strategically remote from one another, when it comes to energy, both regions are characterised by an array of similarities and interdependences. So much so, that both regions have acknowledged that and cooperation between the EU and Northeast Asian countries – both at bilateral and regional level – is in place. Strategic partnerships have been signed between the EU and all these three countries, which include cooperation on energy.

The object of this project is thus to investigate energy cooperation between the EU and Northeast Asian countries and to determine the role energy security plays in the relation - both at bilateral and region-to-region level.  

Background

Professional Experience

• Intern at the European Commission, Directorate General for External Relations, Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand Unit
• Intern at the French Ministry of Defence, International organisations Unit
• Intern at the UN Headquarters, Department of Political Affairs, Northeast Asia Unit
  

Education

• BA in Political Science – Institute of Political Science, Strasbourg, France (double degree)
• BA in European Studies – Trinity College Dublin, Ireland (double degree)
  
• MA in European Studies – University of Hamburg, Germany
  
• Exchange Semester in Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea

Email: mllp@leeds.ac.uk