online courses
The New Global Order: How Politics, Business and Technology are Changing
May 2021 - July 2021
A shift within international politics is under way as the rivalry between the United States and China intensifies. Alongside this contest, the state of the climate, migration levels and ageing populations are all of concern to world leaders.
Such a complex environment demands confidence and agility. This six-week online course from The Economist develops both, as well as the conceptual tools for you to help your organisation succeed. The course will equip you with an understanding of the implications of ongoing global change so as to ensure you lead effectively.
About the programme
Our course will consider shifts in international alliances, developments in trade and the pervasive power of technology. The curriculum comprises a fresh blend of conceptual and practical insights, combined with our senior editors’ and global correspondents’ on-the-ground experience. They will provide balanced analysis and opinion, offering participants an informed worldview. The learning experience also will be enriched by our unrivalled access to global experts in government and business. Several will appear as guest speakers.
The entire course will be brought to life with the help of GetSmarter, a leader in digital education.
“Our courses are like The Economist itself—comprehensive, succinct and rigorous. They seek to offer practical insights and skills to business executives and leaders as they shape the future of their organisations.”
Programme modules
Module 1: “From Cold War to US-China rivalry”
The competition between the US and China emerged from a period of American pre-eminence (called the Unipolar moment). This module explains that history and considers the differences between the US’s contest with China now and its contest with the Soviet Union during the cold war.
Module 2: “The Decline of US Dominance”
A first look at the US-China rivalry, initially through American eyes. This module describes American influence at its zenith, shows how it dwindled and considers the global cost of that decline. It also asks whether the US can regain its old swagger.
Module 3: “The Chinese Century”
This module looks at the world, and especially the US, from China’s perspective. Why Chinese leaders came to think the time was ripe to challenge US pre-eminence is a particularly interesting topic in it. After assessing the underlying sources of Chinese strength—military, commercial and technological —the module then concludes by asking whether China really can supplant the US as the world’s hegemonic power.
Module 4: “The Role of Technology”
How much the US-China rivalry is also a competition for technology is assessed in this module. After looking at how pervasive technology is both in economic and defence matters, it compares and contrasts American and Chinese approaches to innovation. It assesses the possible consequences of two “techno-spheres” emerging, one American and one Chinese.
Module 5: “Disruptors, Inbetweeners, and Game Changers”
The rivalry between the big powers determines the field of conflict for others. This module describes how this constrains the options not only of countries that have thrown in their lot on one side or the other (such as Russia and Japan), but also those areas that have sought to resist choosing sides (the European Union, for example). It concludes by describing challenges that affect all countries: climate change, demography and pandemics.
Module 6: “Goodbye Globalisation?”
Globalisation is the force that pulls people together—and sometimes drives them apart. This final module looks at the recent history of globalisation, from its golden age in the 1990s, through “slowbalisation” in more recent years and on into the age of covid-19. It concludes by arguing that if globalisation is in retreat, it will leave great powers freer to carve up the world to their advantage.
Course leaders and contributors
The Economist’s senior journalists will share exclusive insights about their specialist subjects through articles, infographics, animations, videos and podcasts. Teaching will be enriched by small-group discussions with students from many types of organisations. Large-group discussions will provide access to an even greater range of global viewpoints. Assignments and case studies are designed to stimulate and challenge, drawing out implications for individual organisations and roles.
Overall some 25 journalists from The Economist will appear in the course’s six modules.
Featured journalists include:
Ed Carr
Deputy editor London, United Kingdom
Soumaya Keynes
Trade & Globalisation editor Washington D.C., United States
Shashank Joshi
Defence editor London, United Kingdom
Miranda Johnson
Deputy executive editor London, United Kingdom
John Parker
International correspondent London, United Kingdom
David Rennie
Beijing bureau chief and Chaguan columnist Beijing, China
Programme benefits
This course is for senior leaders and executives in organisations of all kinds, who wish to gain an advanced and comprehensive view of the contemporary world order. It will enable you to:
- Lead your organisation’s strategic response to geopolitical trends
- Make informed and confident decisions in an international context
- Identify and manage threats to global business growth and navigate change accordingly
To gain a completion certification, you will be required to complete assignments and assessments during each weekly module. Outstanding participants will be awarded a certificate with distinction.
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