Council on Foreign Relations
Global Affairs Explained Specialization

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Council on Foreign Relations

Global Affairs Explained Specialization

Achieve Global Affairs Literacy. Start the three-course series today!

CFR Education

Instructor: CFR Education

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Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
Beginner level

Recommended experience

12 weeks to complete
at 4 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
Beginner level

Recommended experience

12 weeks to complete
at 4 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • The fundamental principles and actors that define how the world works today.

  • The ways that policymakers work to pursue their interests and goals.

  • The various emerging and developing challenges that the world faces in the twenty-first century.

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Taught in English
Recently updated!

December 2025

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Specialization - 3 course series

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

Category: Policy Analysis
Category: Strategic Decision-Making
Category: Political Sciences
Category: Socioeconomics
Category: Culture
Category: International Relations
Category: Governance
Category: World History
Category: Social Sciences
Category: Analysis
Category: Economics
Category: Public Policies

What you'll learn

  • Identify and explain the tools that policymakers use to advance their interests and influence global affairs.

  • Explain the basic principles of international law and identify key actors in global governance.

  • Summarize the ways that countries interact to promote their economic interests and maintain their security.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Policty Analysis, Research, and Development
Category: Negotiation
Category: World History

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.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Public Policies
Category: International Relations
Category: Emerging Technologies
Category: Public Health
Category: Information Technology
Category: Economics, Policy, and Social Studies
Category: Sustainable Development
Category: Technology Strategies
Category: Immigration Law
Category: Policy Analysis
Category: Climate Change Mitigation
Category: Artificial Intelligence
Category: Environmental Policy
Category: Cybersecurity
Category: Climate Change Adaptation
Category: Policy Development

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Instructor

CFR Education
Council on Foreign Relations
6 Courses1,091 learners

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