‘Hot Air’ and the Tenacity of Fossil Fuels: A Neo-Gramscian Perspective of Energy Transitions in Nigeria and Norway

This MA thesis in International Relations employs a comparative case study approach to examine energy transitions in Nigeria and Norway. Utilizing qualitative methods and Neo-Gramscian theory, the research questions that guide this study are: How do the energy transitions in Nigeria and Norway differ, and what does the contrast confer? How can applying a Neo-Gramscian perspective to the energy transitions in Norway and Nigeria shed light on the actions attributed to the energy transition? The results of the study reveal that Nigeria is facing significant challenges in transitioning to renewable energy. Corruption, poor government, rapid population growth, and poverty have left the country in desperate need of foreign direct investment. On the contrary, Norway is leading the way in renewable energy transition, but is nonetheless simultaneously ramping up oil and gas production despite the world's commitment to slowing global warming. By applying Neo-Gramscianism to analyze the cases, the study demonstrates how solutions to the climate crisis and ideas are being co-opted by powerful stakeholders who would have the most to lose if the world were to fully abandon fossil fuels. The findings suggest that even in countries like Norway, where the transition to renewable energy is well advanced, the continued dominance of fossil fuel interests in politics and the economy can undermine progress toward climate goals. The study provides insight into the complex challenges facing energy transitions in developing and developed countries. The comparative case study approach highlights the importance of context in understanding these challenges, and the use of Neo-Gramscian theory offers a critical lens through which to analyze the power dynamics shaping energy transitions, in different contexts.

Author dc:creator

• Magnús Hallur Jónsson 1987-

Contributors dc:contributor

• Háskóli Íslands

• Alþjóðasamskipti

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1946/43738

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:skemman.is:1946/43738