Instructional goals
The course aims to provide students with the ability to understand - through analysis of geopolitical scenarios - both the causes and dynamics of the most challenging issues related to political risk. Additionally, the program intends to equip students with knowledge on how companies employ tools to analyze and mitigate political risks.
Prerequisites
A basic knowledge of the history of international relations could help, but it is not necessary.
Intended learning outcomes
At the end of the course, participants will be able to understand current geopolitical scenarios as well as develop skills in analyzing global challenges, including through group work, presentations, and simulations.
Course Contents
The course provides an introduction to geopolitical scenarios and political risk. It will focus on building a solid theoretical foundation for understanding geopolitical scenarios and analyzing political risk, and applying these skills to current and real issues. Students will examine the nature of political risk through case studies focused on various countries and markets.
Reference Books
– Tim Marshall «Prisoners of Geography. Ten maps that explain everything
about the world»
– Current issues (www.eastwest.eu)
– ALL the materials on the platform (slides of the lectures, simulation
exercises, team works, articles).
Teaching Methods
- Traditional lectures.
- Individual exercises.
- Teamworks.
- Simulations.
- Case studies.
- Seminars.
- Presentations.
- Other.
Assessment Method
- oral exam: 70%
- participation: 10%
- teamwork done during the course: 20%
To complete the course, both attending and non-attending students are required to take a final oral exam
Thesis assignment criteria
In order to apply for the thesis, it will be necessary to have:
- attended the course
- passed the exam with no less than 27/30
- a good level of English.
Week 1
- Introduction to the course.
- Traditional Diplomacy.
- Economic Diplomacy.
Week 2
- International Rankings.
- Teamwork: Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Week 3
- Political Risk Model.
- Teamwork: Cyprus issue.
Week 4
- International Terrorism.
- Teamwork: What is left of the Arab Spring?
Week 5
- Terrorism.
- Teamwork: Geopolitical Resettlment: Russia, India, China, USA.
Week 6
- Climate change.
- Teamwork: Energy and Politics.
Week 7
- Protagonism and isolation of China.
- Teamwork: The BRICS Phenomenon.
Week 8
- The case of UK after Brexit.
- Teamwork: Present and future of the African continent.
Week 9
- The Russia-Ukraine War.
- Teamwork: Russo-Ukrainian war: reasons, developments, consequences.
Week 10
- Summary of topics.
- Teamwork: India: democratic shortcomings in a densely populated country.
Week 11
- European Parliament Simulation - First Session.
- Teamwork: MERCOSUR: past and present perspective.
Week 12
- European Parliament Simulation - Second Session.
- Conclusion.