Global Politics from edX

This course is part of the IPSAMOOC project, a joint venture Federica Weblearning - IPSA, the International Political Science Association

The course explores global order and local disorders to explain why International Studies in the West are moving towards a planetary approach to World politics. Thinking globally helps explain new links between changes in the natural environment (demographics and climate) and changes in governing Institutions. Will societies and peoples find a way to get along together despite intractable conflicts and divergence of social and national interests? Will States delegate enough sovereignty to universal organizations, rather than keeping power within national borders? Will the world ever be governed, and more democratically governed? This course in global politics aims to explore these key questions. It draws on a mix of disciplines - anthropology, history, sociology, economics and psychology - and a mix of paradigms, as no one approach is sufficient to explain the complexity of global issues today. Combining various ways of thinking creates a more complete picture of the myriad transactions that make the planet evolve towards a more complex equilibrium.

Regarding video lectures:

The course text is in English
The course videos are spoken in French
The course videos have closed captions available in English, French, and Spanish

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand the links between nature and politics
Learn the significance of universal organisations vs local power structures

Explore how a complex equilibrium that aims at a sustainable future for humanity might be achieved

Understand the links between nature and politics
Learn the significance of universal organisations vs local power structures
Explore how a complex equilibrium that aims at a sustainable future for humanity might be achieved

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines links between nature and politics, and their impact on institutions

Studies the rise of planetary approach to global politics

Explores complex equilibrium aimed at sustainable future

Draws on various disciplines for a comprehensive analysis of global issues

Reviews summary

Interesting course, poor language information

Learners say that this course is interesting but note that the course is not taught in English as is stated in the description. Instead, it is taught in French with English subtitles. Overall, the sentiment of this course is mixed.

Course is not taught entirely in English.

"It is not true that it is taught in English, as in the description."

"It is in French, with English subtitles."

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 Global Politics with these activities:

Review International Relations Foundations

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Refresh your knowledge of foundational concepts in international relations before starting the course.

Browse courses on International Relations

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Review textbooks or online resources
Complete practice questions

Learn about Climate Change Mitigation Strategies

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Explore strategies for mitigating climate change by following online tutorials and resources.

Browse courses on Climate Change

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Search for tutorials on climate change mitigation
Follow the tutorials and take notes
Apply the knowledge gained to develop your own mitigation strategies

Read 'The Future of Global Politics' by Yves Schemeil

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Gain insights into global order and disorder from a primary source written by one of the course instructors.

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Purchase or borrow the book
Read and take notes on the key concepts and arguments presented
Discuss the book's ideas with peers or instructors

Five other activities

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Research Global Institutions

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Research and compare the structures and functions of various global institutions to understand their roles in global governance.

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Identify key global institutions (e.g., UN, WTO, IMF)
Examine their organizational structures and decision-making processes
Analyze their mandates and areas of responsibility

Analyze Case Studies of Global Conflicts

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Apply course concepts to analyze real-world case studies of global conflicts and their impact on international relations.

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Select case studies (e.g., Ukraine-Russia conflict, Syria civil war)
Research and gather information on each case
Apply course theories and frameworks to analyze the causes, dynamics, and outcomes of the conflicts

Curate a Collection of Global Perspectives

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Compile and analyze diverse perspectives from different regions of the world to broaden understanding of global issues.

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Identify reputable sources (e.g., international news outlets, research institutes)
Collect articles, reports, and other materials that represent a range of viewpoints
Organize and categorize the materials based on themes or topics

Engage in Simulated Global Negotiations

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Participate in role-playing simulations to experience the challenges and complexities of global negotiations firsthand.

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Divide into teams representing different countries or organizations
Research and prepare negotiation strategies
Engage in simulated negotiations and debates

Design a Global Governance Proposal

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Integrate your understanding of global politics by creating a proposal for a new or improved global governance mechanism.

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Research existing global governance structures
Identify a specific area in need of improvement
Develop a proposal outlining your solution, including goals, mechanisms, and potential challenges

Career center

Learners who complete Global Politics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Diplomat

Diplomats are responsible for representing their countries in foreign nations. They engage in negotiations and discussions with other diplomats, foreign officials, and individuals. Diplomats who work in the field of global politics are tasked with working across borders.

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Professor

Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. Some teach classes related to political science. This course's exploration of global politics and the mix of paradigms it utilizes will be of significant value to those who wish to teach political science courses.

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Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers help organizations become more sustainable. They may work for companies, governments, or nonprofits. This course's exploration of environmental and social issues would be of value to Sustainability Managers as they work to promote planetary health.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct research in a variety of fields. Some researchers focus on global issues and public policy within their work. This course would be valuable for researchers who seek to expand or begin their research in this field.

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Foreign Service Officer

Foreign Service Officers develop, implement, and carry out U.S. foreign policy. Some focus on topics including global threats, climate change, migration, and global health. This course may help you understand the complex global issues that foreign service officers face.

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Journalist

Journalists create content to inform the public. They write, speak, and prepare content for broadcast or publication. Many journalists work for newspapers and wire services, but many others work as freelance journalists or for digital media organizations. Those who plan to work as journalists who cover global affairs would benefit from the materials within this course, especially as it draws upon several disciplines.

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Global Health Expert

Global Health Experts are public health professionals who work to improve health outcomes around the world. They may work for international organizations, governments, or NGOs. This course's focus on global issues and the interplay between society and health will be of use to Global Health Experts.

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Political Scientist

A Political Scientist studies political systems and political behavior. Political Scientists who work for governments or research firms may focus on global politics issues or work involving international affairs. This course may help build a foundation for advanced study in political science, especially since it offers a planetary approach to world politics.

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Development Worker

Development Workers focus on helping those in impoverished nations achieve a better quality of life. They may work with governments or NGOs to help promote social, economic, or political development. This course's focus on global issues such as social equity and conflict will be of significant value to a Development Worker.

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Human Rights Officer

Human Rights Officers work to protect and promote human rights. They may work for international organizations, governments, or NGOs. This course's focus on global issues and human rights will be of use to Human Rights Officers.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts evaluate and research proposed solutions to public problems. This course's global perspective and interdisciplinary approach would be valuable for Policy Analysts who wish to engage in global policy or global affairs.

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International Relations Specialist

International Relations Specialists work for governments, international organizations, and NGOs. They advise on foreign policy and develop international relations strategies. This course discusses a range of topics related to global politics and draws upon several disciplines which could be useful to an International Relations Specialist.

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International Lawyer

International Lawyers study and practice in the area of international law, which includes things like treaties, trade agreements, human rights law, and environmental law. This course explores a range of global issues and draws upon a range of disciplines that touch upon topics such as international law and human rights. While this course is most appropriate for someone who wishes to enter academia, it may be a valuable resource for those hoping to work within international law.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. Those who work for international nonprofit organizations will find the information within this course valuable.

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Consultant

Consultants provide expert advice to businesses and organizations. Some Consultants specialize in global affairs or business strategy. This course's exploration of global issues and the international political landscape may be of value to Consultants.

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