Introduction to Contemporary Geopolitics

  • 4.8
Approx. 32 hours to complete

Course Summary

This course explores the complex and dynamic world of contemporary geopolitics, analyzing how power is distributed and contested on a global scale.

Key Learning Points

  • Gain a deep understanding of the key theories and concepts that shape contemporary geopolitics
  • Explore the multiple factors that influence contemporary geopolitical dynamics, including geography, economics, and culture
  • Develop the critical thinking skills necessary to engage with complex global issues

Related Topics for further study


Learning Outcomes

  • Develop a nuanced understanding of contemporary geopolitical issues
  • Analyze and evaluate the multiple factors that influence global power dynamics
  • Develop critical thinking skills necessary to engage with complex geopolitical issues

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

  • Basic understanding of international relations and world history
  • Interest and curiosity in global politics and power dynamics

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

  • Online
  • Self-paced

Similar Courses

  • Globalization and Its Discontents
  • International Security
  • International Political Economy

Related Education Paths


Notable People in This Field

  • Robert D. Kaplan
  • Ian Bremmer
  • Parag Khanna

Related Books

Description

This Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) will offer the participants an introduction into contemporary geopolitics, starting from the origins of classical geopolitics and continuing the discussion with the deep analysis of the examined country-cases, including the US, Russia, and China. Combined with small tests, based on the video’s and recommended readings, the participants will be encouraged to dive into the complex theories and phenomena and get familiar with the concepts that are still very relevant in the contemporary world.

Knowledge

  • Comprehend the origins of geopolitics
  • Analyse the development of the geopolitics during the Cold War
  • Understand the evolution of geopolitics with the implication in the contemporary world
  • Examine the geopolitical cases of the US, Russia, and China

Outline

  • The Birth of Geopolitics
  • Introduction to Contemporary Geopolitics
  • The origins of geopolitics
  • Geographers "invent" geopolitics
  • Geopolitics and national interests
  • Sea power vs land power
  • Geopolitics and war
  • The critics of geopolitics
  • Geopolitics and international relations theories
  • From traditional to classical geopolitics
  • About University
  • Rules on the academic integrity in the course
  • Main Reading
  • The Birth of Geopolitics
  • The Beginning of the Cold War Geopolitics
  • The beginning of the Cold War geopolitics
  • Geopolitics of the Cold War: ideology
  • Geopolitics of the Cold War: new (military) technologies
  • Geopolitics of the Cold War: new strategic places
  • Geopolitics in the times of detente and after
  • Classical Geopolitics and Realism
  • The end of the Cold War. The end of geopolitics?
  • Main Reading
  • The Beginning of the Cold War Geopolitics
  • World Politics After the Cold War Ended
  • World politics after the Cold War ended
  • From the moment of unipolarity back to geopolitics
  • What is contemporary geopolitics?
  • Contemporary geopolitics: beyond hard power issues
  • The economic dimension of contemporary geopolitics
  • Contemporary issues in geo-economics
  • Geo-economics and studies of international relations?
  • How can we use geopolitical approach today?
  • Main Reading
  • World Politics After the Cold War Ended
  • One More Thing about Geopolitics
  • One more (important) thing about geopolitics
  • Critical turn in IR studies
  • Critical approach(es) in gepolitics
  • Role of a man in geopolitical knowledge: mapping the world
  • Role of a man in geopolitical knowledge: traditional approach
  • Role of a man in geopolitical knowledge: the Cold War
  • Critical view at contemporary geopolitics
  • Is classical geopolitics still relevant?
  • Main Reading
  • One More Thing about Geopolitics
  • The Key Players in Contemporary Geopolitics
  • Geopolitics: from theory to practice
  • The key players in geopolitics
  • The key geo-economic powers
  • Geopolitical issues
  • The new issues in geopolitics
  • Geopolitics, globalization and regionalism
  • Geopolitical structure today
  • Brief summary and case selection
  • Main Reading
  • The Key Players in Contemporary Geopolitics
  • History and Geography of the United States
  • History and geography of the United States
  • Geopolitical strengths and weaknesses
  • Geo-economic strengths and weaknesses
  • Historical shift of the US geopolitical thinking
  • American primacy and its geostrategic imperatives
  • Geopolitical discourse after unipolarity
  • Main Reading
  • History and Geography of the United States
  • History and Geography of Russia
  • History and geography of Russia
  • Geopolitical strengths and weaknesses
  • Geo-economic strengths and weaknesses
  • Historical shifts of Russian geopolitical thinking
  • How Russia views itself and the world geopolitically?
  • Russia and geopolitics of the Arctic
  • Main Reading
  • History and Geography of Russia
  • History and Geography of China
  • History and geography of China
  • Geopolitical strengths and weaknesses
  • Geo-economic strengths and weaknesses
  • Historical shift of Chinese (geopolitical?) thinking
  • Geopolitics and geo-economics in Chinese foreign policy
  • China's Belt and Road Initiative
  • Regional and global geopolitical thinking of China
  • Main Reading
  • History and Geography of China
  • Geopolitics and its Value
  • Geopolitics and its value
  • Geopolitics: a short summary
  • Main authors and literature: where to read about geopolitics?
  • Geopolitical map
  • The limits of geopolitical approach
  • Recommended Reading
  • Geopolitics and its Value

Summary of User Reviews

The Contemporary Geopolitics course on Coursera has received positive reviews from many users. It covers a variety of topics related to contemporary geopolitics in an engaging and informative way. Many users have appreciated the course's comprehensive approach to the topic.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The course offers a comprehensive approach to contemporary geopolitics that covers a range of relevant topics.

Pros from User Reviews

  • Engaging and informative course content
  • Well-structured and organized curriculum
  • Great value for money
  • Interactive and collaborative learning environment

Cons from User Reviews

  • Some users found the course content to be too basic
  • Technical issues with the platform were reported by some users
  • Limited interaction with the instructor
  • Not suitable for those looking for a more advanced course on the subject
English
Available now
Approx. 32 hours to complete
Andrei Skriba
HSE University
Coursera

Instructor

Andrei Skriba

  • 4.8 Raiting
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