Why Economist Education’s geopolitics course is always relevant

Against this backdrop, when every day brings new geopolitical developments, how can a six-week international-relations course stay relevant? Economist Education’s online programme, International relations: China, Russia, the US and the future of geopolitics, manages it in three ways. 

First, it seeks to explore the fundamental forces shaping global events, from the rise of China to the retreat of globalisation, and to explain how current crises are rooted in decades-long trends. In doing so it provides lasting value to participants who want to know not just what is happening, but why—and what it means for their organisation. Expert contributors from The Economist and invited guests, including Kevin Rudd, a former prime minister of Australia, and Eric Schmidt, a former chief executive of Google, analyse the underlying forces at work in global politics and commerce. They show that today’s turbulence cannot be understood in isolation. 

Second, during each course run experienced tutors build on the core materials with exclusive videos and timely posts to discussion forums. When geopolitical news breaks during a programme, the tutors help learners understand it. Students can also share their own reflections on unfolding events and learn how fellow executives are reckoning with the latest disruption. Weekly assignments encourage participants to apply the course’s themes to their business context. All learners are given a complimentary three-month digital subscription to The Economist, which enables them to see how the course’s themes are playing out in the world.

Third, the course is updated periodically. Significant movements in world affairs require acknowledgement and analysis in the learning materials themselves. To that end, the programme was revised after Trump’s return to the White House in January, including with a new analysis video featuring The Economist’s geopolitics editor.

The programme, which is accredited by The CPD Certification Service, contains crucial lessons for any professional seeking to mitigate risk or seize opportunity in a fracturing world. It will particularly suit executives working in policy, strategy or general leadership roles. The next run begins on May 14th; individuals can find out more here. Corporate buyers who want to equip their teams with global insight should visit our enterprise page, and discover how we can tailor the programme to their needs.