POLS GU4814

The course provides the flexibility to research a topic of your choice, as long as it aligns with the class’s overarching theme or subject. This freedom allows you to dive deeper into areas that genuinely interest you, making the learning experience both personalized and rewarding. The final oral exam—structured more like a conversation and far less stressful than it might initially seem (ironically, considering a former KGB Officer is questioning you)—is a well-crafted blend of your research findings and class learnings. It evaluates not only your understanding of the material but also your ability to connect broader course concepts with your chosen paper topic. The grading is transparent and fair, and as long as you put in the effort to read and prepare, you’ll do well. I found the workload manageable, spending around 3-5 hours per week on readings and research, which was sufficient to excel in both classes (though the summer course understandably moves at a faster pace due to time constraints). Overall, this class was an incredibly enriching experience, made unforgettable by the professor’s unique expertise. I highly recommend both of his classes (Geo/Sec & Strat/Intel) and would even go so far as to say that he is my favorite Political Science professor at Columbia!

I learned a very detailed history of oil and gas sector that leads us to where we are now and how it will impact where we are tomorrow

I entered this class with high expectations based on the professor’s stellar reputation and was not disappointed. Having had the privilege of taking Strategic Intelligence with him over the summer, I already knew of his immense real-world expertise as an intelligence officer during the USSR era. This background brings a unique depth and intricacy to the course material. His teaching style masterfully combines old-school rigor with fairness, and he is an exceptional orator who keeps the material both engaging and thought-provoking, enriched by behind-the-scenes insights into global energy security and geopolitical dynamics, peppered with personal anecdotes and often humorous questions. The course content is thoughtfully structured, emphasizing critical real-world applications. The oral exam, in particular, stands out—not just as a test but as an opportunity to explore and articulate what you’ve learned. While it’s clear that engaging with the (light) required reading is essential to excel, the workload remains both manageable and well-paced.

Overview of global energy systems, governance, a realist view of how things work.

If you show up, actively listen, and communicate with Prof, you will do well. 1 paper & 1 Oral Exam based upon the contents of the lecture and what you wrote upon.

This course was a fascinating introduction to how energy has shaped geopolitics. It gave me a new perspective on international relations and the role of different forms of energy, particularly fossil fuels, in the development and interaction of nations.

I can not stress enough how glad I am I took this class. Professor B is outstandingly knowledgeable and goes above and beyond what you would expect from such a broad range of topics. Prof has an unbelievable understanding of seemingly infinite topics and can speak in rich detail without ever needing to read off of a slide. For anyone considering a degree in Political Science - I urge you to take this course.

In this course I learned the role of energy and security as it relates to the world's leading energy producers and consumers. Additionally I learned Geopolitics of the Caspian Basin and The Changing geopolitics of natural gas.

Prof is incredibly knowledgeable, and the class itself is crucial for poli sci and energy, wow so glad I took it! However, because he solely relies on handwritten notes for his lectures, he can sometimes spinoff and even include his own personal bias towards certain people and cultures when going about global landscapes. Most of the class laughed along to his insensitive comments, but I imagine that many actually feel that they were irrelevant to understanding energy, security, and politics, and even unfounded. So take some of the "jokes" with a grain of salt, and try to challenge him on them, on a good day it'll be an interesting interaction.

I learned the evolution of geopolitics, transfer of power in energy markets, to include its diplomatic and economic impacts.