Coal-fuelled power generation is the largest source of CO₂ emissions world-wide. While several countries have decided to phase out the use of coal, others remain committed to coal mining and burning. The COALSTAKE project systematically investigates the socio-political contestation surrounding coal mining and use in four countries: Australia, Canada, Japan and Germany. COALSTAKE generates insights into the interests and political strategies of key energy system stakeholders and explores the conditions under which a transition away from coal can be successful. The project is a collaborative effort by IWÖ-HSG and the universities of Basel (Switzerland) and Toronto (Canada), and it is associated with the international research hub Coal Transitions.