NS4054 Fall Term 2013 Ideas for Team Project and Briefing

Policy Assignment Briefing book Teams of 4-6. Minimum of two from NSA dept and two from Energy curriculum on each team. Prepare briefing book consisting of briefing (10 slides), 2 page covering policy memo and individual background/policy papers from each team member. Audience is fictional Interagency Policy Committee on Energy Security, chaired by NSC. Focus on an actionable problem that can be addressed by US interagency process.

Possible Topics I China’s growing demand for energy: opportunities and threats for US national security. Russia’s energy policy: implications for international and US security. Impact of resource nationalism on future global energy supplies. What is the future for nuclear energy? Limiting fuel consumption by deployed forces through alternative energy sources. 3

Possible Topics II Iraq: A Future Source of Oil for the U.S.? Mexico/U.S. Energy Cooperation – Possibilities and Constraints Canadian Keystone XL Pipeline – Costs and Benefits for the U.S. Policy recommendation. Should the U.S. Introduce a Carbon Tax? Iranian Sanctions – Costs and benefits Shale Gas – Changing the world power structures? 4