The Changing Geopolitics of Oil and Gas: Identifying and Managing Political Risk

21-22 April 2008
London, UK

9-10 July 2008
Princeton, NJ

Any questions for Dr.Thorne, click here.


What can delegates look forward to in your courses?

They can look forward to gaining a global perspective on how politics is the driving force in how issues related to oil and gas access play out. I think too often that people assume that understanding finances, balance sheets, etc. are enough. but every day, the newspapers show clearly how much political factors drive what happens to access to reserves. Delegates will come to understand these dynamics and how to begin thinking about incorporating what they've learned into daily business decisions.

How do you like to present your subject matter?

I tend to like alot of interaction. So I lecture, open the floor for discussion, and use small groups as much as possible. People tend to learn better if they have opportunities to process material in their own way. Then applying concepts in small groups (through case studies) makes the material come alive.

What are your career/professional highlights?

Earning a doctorate from MIT was a big deal! That was a tough program; being the principal investigator on a major study to deal with issues of land tenure in a community that was the site of large infrastructure development (including extractive industries); being in the process of working with an extractive industries group to design a training todeal with project-leve conflict.

What are some of the greatest challenges facing the energy sector?

Gaining access to new reserves in a context of increased competition and consumer/advocacy group scrutiny; dealing with the politics of countries where the new exploration sites are located; diversification into other energy sources.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I love to cook, travel, swim and snorkel, attend live music performances (jazz and classical music), and play the piano.