Geopolitical Challenges 1
ECTS : 3
Description du contenu de l'enseignement :
Course Presentation
In a global context marked by increasing geopolitical instability, strategic foresight has become a key competency for international business professionals. This course equips students with the conceptual tools and practical methodologies to analyze geopolitical risks and anticipate their impact on global operations.
Course Structure
Format: 2 sessions of 1h30 and 5 sessions of 3 hours (Total: 18h)
Session 1 – Introduction to Geopolitics: Concepts, Actors, Frameworks (1h30 IS & EM)
- What is geopolitics? From classical to critical geopolitics.
- Power, territory, sovereignty, borders.
- Tools for geopolitical analysis (Hard power / Soft power / Smart power).
Session 2 – Strategic Resources and Geoeconomics (2 x 1h30 IS)
- Globalization Geopolitics (energy, rare earths, water and food as strategic assets)
- Global chokepoints: Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal, Bab el-Mandeb.
Session 3 – The Digital Turn: Cyber Geopolitics and Tech Rivalries (2 x 1h30 IS)
- Cyberattacks, espionage, and cybersovereignty in the digital age.
- AI, 5G, and data governance in tech wars.
Session 4 – Non state players (2 x 1h30 EM)
- Transnational players and public opinion
- Illegal transnational players (terrorists, mafias, etc.)
Session 5 – Business Exposure to Geopolitical Risk (2 x 1h30 EM)
- How to do business in a corrupt environment / failed states
- How to handle international sanctions
Session 6 – Managing the environment (2x1h30 EM)
- Climate issues: the geopolitical dimension of the COPs
- Migrants, displaced persons and refugees: a geopolitical challenge
Session 7 – Information management (1h30 IS et EM)
- Information and desinformation warfare.
Compétence à acquérir :
Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes
- Understand foundational geopolitical concepts and their application to international business.
- Analyze key strategic regions and actors affecting global political and economic stability.
- Learn to interpret geopolitical developments through mapping, case studies, and group debate.
- Foster group-based analytical and communication skills through oral presentation.
Mode de contrôle des connaissances :
100% Group Presentation
- 15–20 minute oral presentation with slides.
- Topic: a strategic geopolitical theme or region.
- Deliverables: slide deck + 1-page executive summary.
Bibliographie, lectures recommandées :
- Kaplan, Robert D. The Revenge of Geography
- Khanna, Parag. Connectography
- Bremmer, Ian. Every Nation for Itself
- Nye, Joseph. Soft Power
- Control Risks & WEF reports