The landscape of world affairs is changing rapidly. Whether one focuses on China’s rise, Russia’s revisionism, demographic shifts, or the radically altered role of the United States, the world of today looks very different from the era of dominance that preceded it.

These shifts have created growing uncertainty. To navigate them, we must rely on frameworks to make sense of what is happening and decide what to do.

To help you build that mental map, we are opening the doors to a world-class education. Foreign Policy is proud to announce our first-ever newsletter course.

Introducing The New Geopolitics: IR Theory for Today’s World by professor Stephen M. Walt. As a weekly columnist and FP’s resident realist, there is no one more qualified to bridge the gap between complex IR theory and the high-stakes reality of global politics.

Course Syllabus

Course Title: The New Geopolitics: IR Theory for Today’s World.

Instructor: Stephen M. Walt, Robert and Renee Belfer professor of international relations, Harvard Kennedy School

Location: Your inbox, anywhere in the world.

Tuition: $0.00 (Open Access).

ENROLL FOR FREE

Course Description

In this five-part series, Professor Walt examines the foundational concepts needed to navigate the world taking shape before our eyes. We will develop the theories used to explain how the world works and identify the effects of national strategy.

Learning Objectives

Familiarize Yourself With IR Theory: Understand the core frameworks used by top diplomats and scholars.
Apply the Map: Use these theories to decode modern challenges such as AI competition, climate change, and the future of multilateralism.
Anticipate Shifts: Gain the foresight to identify geopolitical trends before they hit the headlines.

Course Schedule & Logistics

Duration: 5 weeks (1 installment per week).
Format: Digital delivery every week at 12 p.m. ET.
Prerequisites: None. This course is designed for both seasoned professionals and curious novices.

Required Reading & Extra Credit

There are no required books to purchase. Everything you need is included in your weekly newsletter. For those looking to go deeper, each lesson includes Suggested Readings—including select gift articles that allow you to read Foreign Policy’s premium analysis without a subscription.

Extra Credit: Pupils who complete all five installments will receive a surprise reward at the finish line.

GET ON THE LIST

The world is moving fast. Don’t navigate it without a map. Join us for this global masterclass today.

Best,
The Foreign Policy Team