Council on Foreign Relations

Global Affairs Explained: Twenty-First Century Challenges

Council on Foreign Relations

Global Affairs Explained: Twenty-First Century Challenges

This course is part of Global Affairs Explained Specialization

CFR Education

Instructor: CFR Education

Access provided by SGCSRC

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Describe key twenty-first century global challenges and explain their impacts on global affairs.

  • Assess the ways in which different twenty-first century challenges are interconnected.

  • Evaluate the strategies policymakers use to address twenty-first century challenges.

Details to know

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Assessments

6 assignments

Taught in English
Recently updated!

December 2025

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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.
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There are 7 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

Keeping the world healthy is a tall task, especially as the global health landscape evolves. This module explores the global health challenges facing the world today and the efforts to respond to them.

What's included

1 video11 readings1 assignment2 discussion prompts

People have moved across borders throughout history, and today is no different. As migration continues to shape societies around the world, it also raises complex questions for policymakers. This module explores the global landscape of migration and how governments have responded to it.

What's included

1 video12 readings1 assignment2 discussion prompts

Climate change is one of the most urgent problems facing the world in the twenty-first century. And tackling it is far from an easy task. This module explores the fundamentals of climate change, and what humans can do to address it.

What's included

1 video16 readings1 assignment2 discussion prompts

People around the world are living longer, healthier, and more prosperous lives than ever before. Despite that, significant challenges for global development remain. This module explores the evolution of efforts to improve the world—including global infrastructure, education, and health.

What's included

1 video14 readings1 assignment2 discussion prompts

The internet is a defining technology of the twenty-first century. As it has grown it has surfaced new issues of cybersecurity, data privacy, and online rights. Meanwhile, the rapid rise of artificial intelligence poses new challenges and opportunities alike. This module explores how cyberspace has shaped societies and how policymakers have tried to manage it.

What's included

1 video15 readings1 assignment2 discussion prompts

What's included

1 video3 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt

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Instructor

CFR Education
Council on Foreign Relations
6 Courses 2,411 learners

Offered by

Council on Foreign Relations

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