Geopolitics and Global Risks

This module delves into the examination of global and regional geopolitical challenges.

Participants will explore the shifting power dynamics in the international arena, key global and regional challenges and conflicts, and emerging threats that shape the current geopolitical landscape. 

Through expert-led sessions and case studies, this module provides a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and interdependencies influencing global stability and security. 

The sessions will explore various thematic dimensions of global geopolitics (technology, trade, energy and climate, security, democracy/global governance) and apply them to relevant global or regional contexts (transatlantic relations, US/China/EU rivalry, Global South and MENA perspectives, and emerging powers).

This module concentrates on developing effective corporate and public affairs strategies in situations of geopolitical fragmentation and rising economic and political insecurity.

Participants will acquire advanced techniques to anticipate, decide upon, and manage complex geopolitical and geo-economic challenges.

Private visit to El Prado Museum

• Participants will be offered an exclusive guided visit of the renowned Museo del Prado in Madrid, providing a unique opportunity to explore world-class art while engaging in relaxed networking with fellow participants. This blend of intellectual and cultural experiences aims to foster deeper connections and enrich the overall program experience.

This module focuses on strategic anticipation. The goal of the module is that participants become consumers, producers and translators of strategic foresight.

Strategic foresight is a prime tool to anticipate change and to help shape the future. In a three-part module that combines learning, debate and hands-on foresight exercises, participants will first be introduced to the basics of ‘futures analysis’ and strategic foresight: What it is and what it is not? How it differs from forecasting? Which are the key methodologies? And why and how is it used in policymaking? In the following steps, participants will dive further into key methods and techniques that allow to anticipate, monitor, prevent, and mitigate potential risks arising from global geopolitical and geoeconomic dynamics.

After a participatory discussion on the state of the world and key global trends and risks shaping the participant’s regions, the module proposes a ‘foresight toolkit sandbox’ where participants will experiment a select number of anticipatory tools that can include, e.g., drivers of change and critical uncertainties, horizon scanning of emerging risks and wild cards, scenario building and ‘what if?’ scenarios, and SWOT analysis.

In a final part, using the foresight products co-created in the sandbox, participants will first learn how to ‘translate’ foresight into policies and strategies, and, finally, will reflect on ways to integrate and adopt foresight and anticipation in their organizations and daily work.