The current situation in the world politics and economy is very unstable, where the superpowers are engaged in various conflicts and rivalry. This development is apparent in trade wars with tariffs, creation of trade blocks, rivalry over global currency, creation of new development banks, new arms race, new military alliances and direct engagements to wars. At the same time, the acknowledged global challenges of climate change, poverty, population growth, etc., are pushed aside in the current power struggle, and are accumulating and threatening the lives of ours and the future generations’.

The course handles these current and future challenges of world politics and economy. The future aspect demands taking a holistic look at the development of past and present trends, to extrapolate their future. This happens through a systems approach, where the development of world politics and economy and their challenges are analysed through structures and functions of world system, its norms, values and legitimacy. The future challenges and structural and functional possibilities are last discussed relating them to the functional needs of the world system.  

Learning outcomes: The course will enhance student’s knowledge on the current and future challenges of world politics and economy. It empowers students in holistic analysis of the current and future challenges of world politics and economy. The methodical skills of future research of students will develop in the essay task. 

Evaluation is based on an exam or lecture diary and an essay (individually, or in 2 to 3 person groups). The course consists of 18 hours of lectures and 6 hours of seminars, where the essays are discussed. The essays are written on some future challenge of world politics or economy. Students in advanced studies can optionally accomplish 10 ECTS from the course by discussing in their essay the used method in greater depth. Maximum number of students admitted to the course is 50.

Compulsory preceding studies: POLPOP02 Introduction to Political Science, or equivalent studies at sending institution (exchange students).

5 ECTS for Bachelor's level completion (POLVOA31)
10 ECTS for Master's level completion (POLVOS21)

Further information from the teacher at the beginning of the course.