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There are 7 modules in this course
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.
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.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
1 video•Total 3 minutes
Before You Begin•3 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
Welcome!•10 minutes
How to Succeed in This Course•10 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Get to Know Your Classmates•10 minutes
Module 2: Tools of Foreign Policy
Module 2•2 hours to complete
Module details
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.
What's included
1 video9 readings1 assignment2 discussion prompts
Show info about module content
1 video•Total 2 minutes
Before You Begin•2 minutes
9 readings•Total 90 minutes
Introduction to Module Two•10 minutes
What is Diplomacy?•10 minutes
What are Negotiations?•10 minutes
What is Soft Power?•10 minutes
What is Economic Statecraft?•10 minutes
What is Armed Force?•10 minutes
What is Nation-Building?•10 minutes
How do Countries Select Their Foreign Policy Tools?•10 minutes
Related Readings•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Module Two Quiz•30 minutes
2 discussion prompts•Total 20 minutes
Module Two Discussion Forum (Optional)•10 minutes
Module Two Discussion Board (Optional)•10 minutes
Module 3: Global Laws and Politics
Module 3•3 hours to complete
Module details
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.
What International Laws Exist to Regulate Conflicts?•10 minutes
International Agreements You Should Know•10 minutes
Why Do Countries Violate International Law?•10 minutes
The International Court of Justice•10 minutes
The International Criminal Court•10 minutes
Other International Justice Bodies•10 minutes
New Frontiers for International Law•10 minutes
International Law in Space•10 minutes
Module Three Conclusion•10 minutes
Related Readings•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Module Three Quiz•30 minutes
2 discussion prompts•Total 20 minutes
Module Three Discussion Forum (Optional)•10 minutes
Module Three Discussion Board (Optional)•10 minutes
Module 4: International Organizations and Actors
Module 4•3 hours to complete
Module details
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.
A Brief History of European Integration•10 minutes
Advantages of EU Integratio•10 minutes
Where is the EU Headed?•10 minutes
Other Regional Organizations•10 minutes
Module Four Conclusion•10 minutes
Related Readings•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Module Four Quiz•30 minutes
2 discussion prompts•Total 20 minutes
Module Four Discussion Forum (Optional)•10 minutes
Module Four Discussion Board (Optional)•10 minutes
Module 5: Global Economics and Trade
Module 5•4 hours to complete
Module details
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.
What is the International Monetary Fund?•10 minutes
Module Five Conclusion•10 minutes
Related Readings•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Module Five Quiz•30 minutes
2 discussion prompts•Total 20 minutes
Module Five Discussion Forum (Optional)•10 minutes
Module Five Discussion Board (Optional)•10 minutes
Module 6: Global Security
Module 6•4 hours to complete
Module details
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.
Founded in 1921, the Council on Foreign Relations is a nonpartisan, independent national membership organization, think tank, educator, and publisher, including of Foreign Affairs. CFR Education, the educational arm of the Council on Foreign Relations, aims to close the global literacy gap by helping students gain the knowledge, skills, and perspective needed to navigate today’s interconnected world.
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What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.