Robert Y. Shum

Robert Y. Shum serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science and International Studies at the State University of New York at Brockport, where he teaches courses bridging politics, law, and public policy including International Relations, Environmental Policy, and International Political Economy.

His academic credentials include:

• PhD from Johns Hopkins University, Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (2011)
• M.P.P. from Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government (2001)
• LL.B. from the University of British Columbia (1998)
• B.A. from McGill University (1995)

Dr. Shum's research centers on Environmental Policy and International Political Economy, leveraging his prior experience in Canadian international trade negotiations and Harvard Kennedy School policy analysis. His current project, The Politics of Decarbonization and Greentech Industrial Policy, examines the geopolitical tensions in renewable energy transitions, particularly through the lens of solar supply chains and carbon border mechanisms. His methodological approach integrates constructivist theory with political economy analysis to address climate governance challenges.

Analysis of his 14 publications (2009-2023) reveals a consistent focus on climate policy intersections with trade and energy systems, evolving from foundational work on public opinion and norms toward cutting-edge studies of EU carbon border adjustments and solar trade wars. Key thematic threads include the political economy of decarbonization, geopolitical competition in green technology, and institutional barriers to climate cooperation.

Dr. Shum maintains an active teaching portfolio covering state/local government, public administration, and specialized energy/environmental policy courses. His office is located in Fannie Barrier Williams Building, Room 329, with contact via rshum@brockport.edu.