Today’s interdependent global economy and geopolitical landscape connect one country’s interests and actions more than ever to those of other countries and their citizens.
Global Affairs Explained: The Fundamentals
Global Affairs Explained: The Fundamentals
This course is part of Global Affairs Explained Specialization
Instructor: CFR Education
Included with
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
Recommended experience
1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
How to dentify and explain the critical actors and forces that shape global affairs.
The history of globalization from the 19th century to now, particularly as it relates to humans’ social, political, and economic interconnectedness.
How to assess key theories and approaches to the workings of global affairs.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Recently updated!
December 2025
Assessments
5 assignments
Taught in English
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This course is part of the Global Affairs Explained Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
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There are 5 modules in this course
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
What is “globalization?” What separates a capitalist from a communist government, and why does that matter for how the world works? What exactly is the United Nations anyway? This module answers these questions and more by providing a detailed explanation of the key terms, actors, and ideas in global affairs.
What's included
1 video16 readings2 assignments3 discussion prompts
Human history is a story of interaction, but when did that interaction begin? How has human interaction and connection slowed or hastened over time? Module Three explores the long history of human interconnectedness, paying particular attention to the last two hundred years of world history.
What's included
1 video11 readings1 assignment2 discussion prompts
How do policymakers understand global affairs and make decisions based on events unfolding in the world? Module Four explores the various strategy-based and theoretical approaches that exist to help structure our understanding of global affairs, guide policymakers in setting priorities, and help analysts understand events and make predictions based on them.
What's included
1 video11 readings1 assignment3 discussion prompts
This module concludes the course. In it, learners will read a brief summary of the material they have covered, take a full course assessment, and explore some additional steps to continue their global affairs learning journey.
What's included
1 video3 readings1 assignment
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Instructor
Offered by
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Council on Foreign Relations
Council on Foreign Relations
Council on Foreign Relations
Status: Free TrialCouncil on Foreign Relations
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