Global Affairs Explained: Managing the International System

Overview

Policymakers today need to navigate an increasingly complex landscape as they pursue their goals. “Global Affairs Explained: Managing the International System” is designed to provide learners with a detailed understanding of the ways that countries pursue their interests and establish rules and norms to pursue a more stable world. With this knowledge, learners will be able to address complex questions such as what tools a government might use to respond to a global event, and how governments and international organizations interact with one another. After completing the course, learners will be able to identify and explain the tools that policymakers use to advance their interests and influence global affairs, explain the basic principles of international law and identify key actors in global governance, and summarize the ways that countries interact to promote their economic interests and maintain their security.

Syllabus

Module 1: Course Introduction

In this opening module, we discuss course aims, organization, and measures for assessment. By familiarizing themselves with this introductory material, learners will prepare themselves for success in later, more content-driven modules.

Module 2: Tools of Foreign Policy

How do policymakers influence global affairs? What can they do to respond to crises or convince countries to do what they want? In this module, we discuss the various tools that policymakers use to pursue their interests.

Module 3: Global Laws and Politics

What is international law? How can countries make sure others follow it? What happens when someone breaks an international law? This module explores what international law is, how countries create and apply international laws, and what modern issues are at the forefront of international legal debates.

Module 4: International Organizations and Actors

Countries may be the primary actors in international affairs, but they often work together to promote shared interests or tackle common challenges. This module explores the international organizations that help guide cooperation on global affairs.

Module 5: Global Economics and Trade

Promoting economic growth is one of the most important goals that countries seek to achieve. This module explores how countries pursue their economic interests, trade with one another, or restrict trade for various reasons.

Module 6: Global Security

Security is perhaps the most fundamental priority of any policymaker. In today’s world, maintaining it is also an increasingly complex task. How do policymakers identify and address security threats? How do international organizations help maintain global security? This module explores the fundamentals of global security.