Course description
We will see the main concepts of physical geography, maritime international trade, then the seas, navigable rivers, canals, territorial waters, maritime disputes, then we will see the flows of the main bulk goods (both liquid and dry) by sea, the usual routes, the philosophy of the commodity trader, the figure of the maritime broker, the evolution of the markets, geopolitical tensions, international trade agreements.
Learning of geography, all navigable waters, including rivers, lakes, canals, straits, disputes, privileges, conflicts, the flow of main bulk commodities, shipping routes, trading, origin and destination; geopolitics of energy, in particular that of oil&gas
The main training objective is to develop students' sensitivity towards geopolitical tensions, especially those due to the exploitation of resources, so that they get used to seeing such situations (potential or already underway) as an integral part of the trade in which they will find themselves involved. Knowing that these tensions can favor or slow down the development of the markets in which they will find themselves working, students, albeit differently according to their professional profile, will understand the importance of studying and keeping up to date on the developments of these situations. In detail, therefore, the main commodities that are shipped by sea will be examined, the possible triangulations, the competition between the producing countries, the possible geographical advantages for some, or the disadvantages for others. Finally, a brief summary of regional and international trade agreements will be proposed, together with competition between different commodities, custom duties as a geopolitical weapon, and some concrete cases to be discussed.
A fairly good knowledge of English language, together with a previous degree, preferably in economics
Presentation with slides, examples of good practices, case study; to be done online with Microsoft Teams as long as required
Part I: References to physical and political geography, the influence of the climate, territorial disputes, conflicts, boycott, piracy
Part II: Aspects relating to navigation on seas, lakes, rivers, tides, straits, canals, artificial waterways, coastal and non-coastal nations
Part III: Trading of commodities, trader's philosophy, geopolitics, the main commodities, the new routes
Part IV: Technological evolution, market maturity, international trade agreements, customs duties as a geopolitical weapon
Slides will be made available on AulaWeb and can be copied, once lesson is concluded. For those wishing to deepen the topic of bulk maritime transport, we recommend the "Nuovo Manuale dei traffici marittimi (New manual of maritime traffic)", Bozzi Genova editions, as well as "Il mediatore Marittimo (The Ship Broker)" second edition, Bozzi editore Genova. However, such books for time being are only in Italian language.
Ricevimento: Available upon request; please write an email to ennio.palmesino@economia.unige.it or to personal e-mail ennio@palmesino.it
ENNIO PALMESINO (President)
HILDA GHIARA
After an informal physical meeting on September 18, 2020, classes will take place every friday until mid December 2020.
GEOGRAPHY, COMMODITIES TRADING, GEOPOLITICS
Written test: questionnaire on some topics discussed during the lessons and covered by the slides, taken at random. Estimated time for filling in: one and a half hours. In principle it will be done during a physical meeting, if allowed, otherwise new instructions will be provided in due course.
End-course questionnaire administered to students, with a suitable/unsuitable final mark.
Attendance
Strongly suggested
