Overview

Global Affairs Explained is a three-course specialization created by the Council on Foreign Relations. By completing this self-guided series, you will understand fundamental principles that shape global affairs, the ways in which various actors operate within a complex international system, and what issues the world faces in the twenty-first century. In short, you will achieve global affairs literacy. Intended for all learners, this specialization may be of particular interest to: Social science educators (K-12, Higher Ed, Adult Learning, and Vocational Trainers) High school and college students interested in global affairs education Individuals preparing for global affairs-related careers Individuals seeking to augment their existing careers with strengthened knowledge of global affairs.

Syllabus

Course 1: Global Affairs Explained: The Fundamentals
Course 2: Global Affairs Explained: Managing the International System
Course 3: Global Affairs Explained: Twenty-First Century Challenges

Courses

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17 hours 1 minute
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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.
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11 hours 18 minutes
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Today’s interdependent global economy and geopolitical landscape connect one country’s interests and actions more than ever to those of other countries and their citizens. “Global Affairs: The Fundamentals” is designed to provide learners with a detailed understanding of the political, historic, and theoretical contexts that shape our interconnected world. With this knowledge, learners will be able to address complex questions such as when (and why) a government might choose to isolate itself from other countries or engage with them, or respond to global events with a unilateral or multilateral approach. After completing the course, learners will be able to identify and explain the critical actors and forces that shape global affairs; explain the history of globalization from the 19th century to today, particularly as this history relates to humans’ social, political, and economic interconnectedness; and assess key theories and approaches to the workings of global affairs.
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17 hours 22 minutes
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From migration, to climate change, to the rise of artificial intelligence, policymakers today face an increasingly complex set of challenges. “Global Affairs explained: Twenty-First Century Challenges” is designed to provide learners with a deeper understanding of the main challenges facing the world today. Learners will also explore how the various issues facing the world relate to one another and consider the complexities that policymakers face in trying to address them. After completing the course, learners will be able to describe key twenty-first century global challenges and explain their impacts on global affairs; assess the ways in which different twenty-first century challenges are interconnected; and evaluate the strategies policymakers use to address twenty-first century challenges.