Council on Foreign Relations
Global Affairs Explained: Managing the International System

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Council on Foreign Relations

Global Affairs Explained: Managing the International System

CFR Education

Instructor: CFR Education

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

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.

Details to know

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Recently updated!

December 2025

Assessments

6 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Global Affairs Explained Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 7 modules in this course

In this opening module, we discuss course aims, organization, and measures for assessment. By familiarizing themselves with this introductory material, learners will prepare themselves for success in later, more content-driven modules.

What's included

1 video2 readings1 discussion prompt

How do policymakers influence global affairs? What can they do to respond to crises or convince countries to do what they want? In this module, we discuss the various tools that policymakers use to pursue their interests.

What's included

1 video9 readings1 assignment2 discussion prompts

What is international law? How can countries make sure others follow it? What happens when someone breaks an international law? This module explores what international law is, how countries create and apply international laws, and what modern issues are at the forefront of international legal debates.

What's included

1 video12 readings1 assignment2 discussion prompts

Countries may be the primary actors in international affairs, but they often work together to promote shared interests or tackle common challenges. This module explores the international organizations that help guide cooperation on global affairs.

What's included

1 video14 readings1 assignment2 discussion prompts

Promoting economic growth is one of the most important goals that countries seek to achieve. This module explores how countries pursue their economic interests, trade with one another, or restrict trade for various reasons.

What's included

1 video16 readings1 assignment2 discussion prompts

Security is perhaps the most fundamental priority of any policymaker. In today’s world, maintaining it is also an increasingly complex task. How do policymakers identify and address security threats? How do international organizations help maintain global security? This module explores the fundamentals of global security.

What's included

1 video16 readings1 assignment2 discussion prompts

What's included

1 video3 readings1 assignment

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Instructor

CFR Education
Council on Foreign Relations
6 Courses1,095 learners

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