Introduction to Contemporary Geopolitics from Coursera

Geopolitics is all around us, it happens every day. The course shows the connection between geography and international relations, the origins of geopolitical concepts and ideas, how countries view the world around them, why their views are different and how space and distance determine economic ties and security concerns. Students, employees of public and private companies involved in international activity, as well as simply curious people can find this course basic, but interesting and useful. This course introduces geopolitics – one of the ways to interpret and explain international relations in the modern world. To do this, you will study the origins of this discipline, as well as its concepts that determined foreign policy decisions in the XX century. After that, we will look at the most recent versions of geopolitics and how some of them can be used for critical analysis. The main goal of the course is to understand the geopolitical approach to international relations and learn how to use it to explain and predict events taking place at the regional or global level. This includes studying theories, using them for case studies, passing tests to assess knowledge and correct understanding of the geopolitical approach. The course has no prerequisites, though it is desirable that the listeners have an interest in international politics, know the world map well and the changes that took place there in the XX century. The course "Political Geography and the Modern World", which is held at the HSE before studying Modern Geopolitics and which was created to prepare students for the study of theories of international relations, can help you with this. The course is for: • Those who are interested in international relations • Students in Politics, Regional Studies and Social Sciences • Those who want to find links and causalities between geography and international politics • Students who like history and who want to know the nature of major international events in the XX century • Those who prefer online format and a quick and basic explanation of international processes • For everyone who wants to know about the world around us The course consists of short video lectures from 6 to 11 minutes, in which invaluable questions are included. An estimated test of 10-15 questions will take place every week. In the end of the online course there is a final exam in the form of test. The course allows you to interpret international events in different ways, evaluate and predict them from perspective of different geopolitical approaches.

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Focuses on the geopolitical approach to international relations, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding international events

Introduces core geopolitical concepts and ideas, providing a strong foundation for learners interested in international relations

Emphasizes practical applications, allowing learners to interpret and predict international events using geopolitical perspectives

The course is designed for various audiences, including students, employees, and those interested in international relations

Uses short video lectures, estimated tests, and a final exam to assess understanding, providing a structured learning experience

Taught by Andrei Skriba, an experienced instructor with expertise in geopolitics

Reviews summary

Understanding contemporary geopolitics

This course is an excellent introduction to the study of geopolitics and provides an overview of the history, theories, and influencers of the field. It is well-organized, highly informative, and suitable for beginners. The instructor, Professor Skriba, is knowledgeable and engaging, and his passion for the subject shines through. The course is challenging but rewarding and will undoubtedly enhance your understanding of international relations and global affairs.

Provides a rigorous intellectual challenge while offering opportunities for critical thinking and analysis.

"This was an enjoyable course, particularly the majority of the course that dealt with the history and development of Geopolitics."

Benefits from contributions from guest speakers who provide diverse perspectives and real-world examples.

"As an IR researcher i found this course very helpful, containing knowledge and infomations that do not exist in greek bibliography."

"The course is indubitably informative, and of great help in understanding the evolution of geopolitics as well has the historical context behind many of the present-day geopolitical equations."

Reinforces learning with thought-provoking quizzes that assess understanding of key concepts.

"This was an enjoyable course, particularly the majority of the course that dealt with the history and development of Geopolitics."

The course is organized into logical modules, with clear and concise video lectures and readings.

"Grateful."

"The course was very valuable and I learnt a great deal of Knowledge."

"It has had the flexibility to allow other activities, professional and private, while studying."

Provides a thorough historical analysis of the development of geopolitical thought and its impact on international relations.

"It has had the flexibility to allow other activities, professional and private, while studying..."

"The course was very valuable and I learnt a great deal of Knowledge."

"I learnt a lot, but found that the course needs to be edited significantly."

Highly knowledgeable and experienced instructor with a clear and engaging teaching style.

"The Professor was wonderful, very knowledgable and really stuck to facts and history."

"I am very pleased throughout this course, alongside Professor Andrei Skriba, who is an expert in his field."

"Fascinating journey from the past through to the future.Done academically, with-out overt partiality to any ideation/s."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Contemporary Geopolitics with these activities:

Review Key Concepts of Geography

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Ensures a strong foundation in geography, which is essential for understanding geopolitical relationships and dynamics.

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Review basic concepts such as maps, projections, and spatial relationships.
Familiarize yourself with the major geographic features of the world, including continents, oceans, and mountain ranges.
Understand the principles of spatial analysis, such as distance, density, and connectivity.

Follow Tutorials on Geopolitical Theories

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Provides a deeper understanding of the different theories and models used to analyze geopolitical events.

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Find reputable online tutorials or courses on geopolitical theories.
Watch or read the tutorials and take notes on the key concepts and arguments.
Apply the theories to real-world geopolitical events to test your understanding.

Carry out a Simulated Country Analysis

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Lets you assess countries' geopolitical significance by examining their geography, resources, and foreign policy.

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Choose a country and research its geographical features, natural resources, and population distribution.
Analyze the country's political system, foreign policy objectives, and major alliances.
Assess the country's geopolitical strengths and weaknesses based on your research.
Write a report summarizing your findings and conclusions.

Four other activities

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Read 'The Grand Chessboard' by Zbigniew Brzezinski

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Offers insights into the geopolitical strategies of major powers and provides a framework for understanding global power dynamics.

View The Grand Chessboard on Amazon

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Read the book carefully and take notes on the main arguments and geopolitical concepts.
Identify the key geopolitical strategies advocated by Brzezinski and discuss their strengths and weaknesses.
Write a summary of the book and its relevance to contemporary geopolitical issues.

Engage in Class Discussions and Debates

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Encourages critical thinking and allows you to exchange perspectives with peers, deepening your understanding of geopolitical issues.

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Prepare for class discussions by reading the assigned materials and formulating your own views.
Actively participate in discussions, present your ideas, and engage with others' perspectives.
Reflect on the discussions and consider how they have shaped your understanding.

Analyze Current Geopolitical Events

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Provides opportunities to apply geopolitical concepts and theories to real-world events, enhancing your analytical skills.

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Identify a recent geopolitical event and gather relevant information from credible sources.
Analyze the event using geopolitical concepts and theories learned in the course.
Write a brief report or participate in a discussion forum to share your analysis.

Design a Geopolitical Map

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Allows you to demonstrate your understanding of geopolitical relationships and spatial patterns.

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Choose a specific geopolitical region or issue to focus on.
Gather data on relevant geopolitical factors, such as borders, resources, and alliances.
Use a mapping tool or software to create a visual representation of the geopolitical landscape.
Write a brief report explaining the geopolitical significance of your map.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Contemporary Geopolitics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

International Relations Officer

International Relations Officers work for governments, NGOs, and other organizations to promote international cooperation and understanding. A strong understanding of geopolitics is essential for this role, as it helps International Relations Officers understand the political landscape of the world and make informed decisions about how to engage with foreign governments and citizens. The course's content on different geopolitical approaches can help officers evaluate and predict international events, which would be very valuable for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Relations Officer

Foreign Service Officer

Foreign Service Officers represent the United States abroad, working to promote American interests and values. A strong understanding of geopolitics is essential for this role, as it helps Foreign Service Officers understand the political landscape of the countries they work in and make informed decisions about how to engage with foreign governments and citizens. The course's content on different geopolitical approaches can help officers evaluate and predict international events, which would be very valuable for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Foreign Service Officer

Diplomat

Diplomats represent their countries abroad and work to promote peace and cooperation between nations. A strong understanding of geopolitics is essential for this role, as it helps Diplomats understand the political landscape of the world and make informed decisions about how to engage with foreign governments and citizens. The course's content on different geopolitical approaches can help diplomats evaluate and predict international events, which would be very valuable for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diplomat

Intelligence Analyst

Intelligence Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret information to produce intelligence reports for policymakers. A strong understanding of geopolitics is essential for this role, as it helps Intelligence Analysts understand the political landscape of the world and make informed predictions about future events. The course's content on different geopolitical approaches can help analysts evaluate and predict international events, which would be very valuable for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Intelligence Analyst

Political Scientist

Political Scientists study politics and government. A strong understanding of geopolitics is essential for this role, as it helps Political Scientists understand the political landscape of the world and make informed predictions about future events. The course's content on different geopolitical approaches can help political scientists evaluate and predict international events, which would be very valuable for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Scientist

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues to help policymakers make informed decisions. A strong understanding of geopolitics is essential for this role, as it helps Policy Analysts understand the political landscape of the world and make informed predictions about the impact of different policies. The course's content on different geopolitical approaches can help analysts evaluate and predict international events, which would be very valuable for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Political Analyst

Political Analysts study domestic and international political systems and trends, analyze political data, and make predictions about political activity. The course's focus on geopolitics and international relations would directly support this work, and the course's content on different geopolitical approaches can help analysts evaluate and predict international events, which would be very valuable for this role.

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Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. A strong understanding of geopolitics is essential for this role, as it helps Economists understand the political landscape of the world and make informed predictions about the impact of different economic policies. The course's content on different geopolitical approaches can help economists evaluate and predict international events, which would be very valuable for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

Sociologist

Sociologists study human society and social behavior. A strong understanding of geopolitics is essential for this role, as it helps Sociologists understand the political landscape of the world and make informed predictions about the impact of different social policies. The course's content on different geopolitical approaches can help sociologists evaluate and predict international events, which would be very valuable for this role.

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Geographer

Geographers study the Earth's physical features, human population, and the relationship between the two. A strong understanding of geopolitics is essential for this role, as it helps Geographers understand the political landscape of the world and make informed decisions about how to manage the Earth's resources. The course's content on different geopolitical approaches can help geographers evaluate and predict international events, which would be very valuable for this role.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students at all levels. A strong understanding of geopolitics is essential for this role, as it helps Teachers understand the political landscape of the world and make informed decisions about how to teach about current events. The course's content on different geopolitical approaches can help teachers evaluate and predict international events, which would be very valuable for this role.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its impact on human health. A strong understanding of geopolitics is essential for this role, as it helps Environmental Scientists understand the political landscape of the world and make informed predictions about the impact of different environmental policies. The course's content on different geopolitical approaches can help environmental scientists evaluate and predict international events, which would be very valuable for this role.

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Lawyer

Lawyers advise clients on legal issues and represent them in court. A strong understanding of geopolitics is essential for this role, as it helps Lawyers understand the political landscape of the world and make informed predictions about the impact of different laws and regulations. The course's content on different geopolitical approaches can help lawyers evaluate and predict international events, which would be very valuable for this role.

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Historian

Historians study the past in order to understand the present. A strong understanding of geopolitics is essential for this role, as it helps Historians understand the political landscape of the world and make informed predictions about the future. The course's content on different geopolitical approaches can help historians evaluate and predict international events, which would be very valuable for this role.

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Journalist

Journalists report on current events and issues for the public. A strong understanding of geopolitics is essential for this role, as it helps Journalists understand the political landscape of the world and make informed judgments about the news they report. The course's content on different geopolitical approaches can help journalists evaluate and predict international events, which would be very valuable for this role.

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Introduction to Contemporary Geopolitics

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Understanding contemporary geopolitics

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