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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Global Systemic Risk by Princeton University

4.7
stars
292 ratings

About the Course

What is globalization and how does it work? How can we understand the process as a whole? How are the parts of the world linked? What are the risks of living in a world where “no one is in charge”? This course introduces students to systems thinking, network theory, and risk analysis and uses these tools to better understand the process of globalization. Focusing on trade, finance, and epidemiology, it analyzes potential challenges to the current global order. The course will be of interest to those studying global affairs, system dynamics, and world governance. It offers a set of heuristics that students can use to analyze contemporary global challenges. Linking the recording of Abbey Road to the COVID-19 pandemic provides new insights into the apparently chaotic world around us. Complex systems form the backbone of our increasingly interconnected and interdependent society. What were once more localized economies, supply chains, and social-ecological systems are now rapidly globalizing, and interacting with one another across countless spatial and temporal scales as technologies expand at ever greater velocities. These tightly coupled systems deliver greater efficiency and prosperity, but at the cost of greater fragility and the threat of catastrophic failure. This “global systemic risk” has implications in all functional domains affecting our daily lives—from the global financial system to healthcare, to critical infrastructure networks. Organized with 7-10 minute classes grouped together into longer modules, the course will have a linear “core” curriculum presented at the introductory level, with the potential for optional offshoots that give learners a more in-depth look into certain areas with more technical content....

Top reviews

NL

Nov 3, 2021

A gret intro to Global Systemic Risk. I got a lot out of the course and would enjoy more on the matter. It also hasspurred me to do more research into the mathematics of systems for my own work.

HH

Nov 12, 2023

For those who want to deepen their knowledge of systems thinking, network theories, and risk analysis in the context of globalization, this is a valuable resource with a wide range of readings.

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76 - 87 of 87 Reviews for Global Systemic Risk

By Marion T

Sep 23, 2022

Much of the course material was directed at undergraduates in the US. That has advantages and disadvantages. Professor Centeno was engaging and competent, so hats off to him. He set out the definitions very well, but I do wish he had more global examples instead of using American High School society to illustrate the elements of a social system and networks. The COVID section is already out of date, so that will need revision.

Probably it is brave for an academic at Princeton U. to point out that globalisation has downsides, but for me the critical analyses were too still shallow. There were many downsides of globalisation that were either mentioned in passing but not considered in depth or not mentioned at all. For example the systemic effects of the 'human enterprise' as William Rees calls it, on the ecological systems is hardly covered. Also the depth, scope and persistence of human suffering that globalisation has brought and brings is not really on the 'menu'. The horrendous effects of global industry such as exponentially increased mining, the development and employment of 300 thousand chemicals that are mostly finding their way into the atmosphere, in landfills, i fresh water in the oceans with no regulation are just a few examples. I think it would be helpful to use the nine planetary boundaries developed by the Resilience Institute in Stockholm in this course, as the discipline of earth systems science provides their foundation. Also, the crossing of the BPs is a direct result of globalisation. Why are earth system science findings not included?

Also globalisation of industrial agriculture pollutes every ecosystem it touches and ruins the lives and livellhoods of small farmers, small fisherfolk, indigenous peoples and marginalised people who live in scarifice zones. These people and the ecosystems did not get much love or attention although the 'story' of globalisation cannt be told without including structures and patterns to achieve and maintain domination to have 'cheap labour, cheap energy, cheap food and cheap resources (Jason Moore).

The interviews were very insteresting some better than others. It would have been nice of the Prof had now and then asked a follow up question with a bit of bite, instead of only softball questions but I guess he was grateful to have the interviewees agree to talk to him.

The reading list seems OK but it is a shame that the discussion questions are always about personalisation and never about the reading. Including a few short texts or excerpts and asking some good questions or setting some exercises in relation to those texts would add a lot to the learning experience. Professor Centeno's article (with colleagues) on The emergence of global systemic risk from 2015 for example could have been usedin week one or week two. I added a reading list of my own for week 6 as there was none given. If you need me to send it again let me know. In that context why not offer us a chance to upload articles for others?

All in all the prof and team did a good job for a first venture into this difficult topic and I give them a lot of credit for the effort.

By Alex T

Jul 20, 2023

A broad board/C-Suite level toll for training the eyes of the corporate body to see itself, its inter-connectivity with the immediate ecosystems supporting it, its effect on stakeholders - howsoever small and removed from direct relationships- and the effect on itself in terms of its sustainability, survivability and the capability to flourish in the face of unforeseeable and rapid changes to a stable endogenous environment. Prof.Miguel is passionate and infectiously enthusiastic about his subject - a must for every aspiring leaders and bureaucrats.

One star has been reduced for Princeton University's obdurate unwillingness to provide a simple course certificate. I noticed that most Princeton courses are approached from such merrily capitalistic approach!

By Amin K

Nov 20, 2021

A very enjoyable course. I especially liked the interviews with various experts - they were informative and entertaining and really brought the course to life. Thanks very much to Prof Miguell and team!

By Jayata S

Jul 23, 2022

Thorough and clear explanations of theoretical concepts, supported by examples

By Shweta H

Oct 14, 2023

Not able to get the certificate- even though its showing completed

By Evander D

Oct 27, 2021

for me this course was very interesting and enlightening.

By sathya s

Dec 9, 2023

i cant claim or download certificate for this course

By Wilson

Mar 20, 2023

Excellent course.

By Shubh P

Sep 2, 2023

Good

By Naseem

May 4, 2023

لم يتم ارسال شهادة الدورة التدريبية

By drNIK F

Jan 7, 2023

too basic

By Thibaut F

Apr 4, 2024

very superficial