Trade Wars, Tech Rivalry & Climate Chaos

What you'll learn
Explain core theories of International Political Economy (Realism, Liberalism, Marxism, Constructivism) and apply them to current global conflicts and trade.
Analyze the causes and consequences of modern trade wars, sanctions, and economic nationalism-including their impact on global supply chains.
Evaluate the geopolitical significance of strategic resources e.g rare earth minerals, semiconductors, oil, & critical battery metals in global competition.
Assess how climate policy, energy transitions, and armed conflict (e.g., in Ukraine and the Middle East) are reshaping international trade rules.
Requirements
• No prior expertise required-concepts are explained clearly with real-world examples. • Basic familiarity with current events (e.g., knowing what the WTO or OPEC is) is helpful but not mandatory. • An open mind and curiosity about how power and economics intersect globally. • All course materials (videos, slides, case studies) are provided-just bring your willingness to learn!
Description
The global economy no longer follows the old rules. Trade wars, tech rivalry, climate shocks, and sanctions are rewriting the playbook-and if you're making decisions without understanding the why, you're flying blind. This course gives you the strategic lens to cut through the noise and anticipate what's next.Master Geopolitical-Economic Dynamics Using Real-World Frameworks From a Senior Military StrategistAnalyze modern crises-from chip wars to Red Sea disruptions-using International Political Economy (IPE)Evaluate how sanctions, tariffs, and "friend-shoring" reshuffle global power and supply chainsDesign resilient strategies for business, policy, or defense contexts in an era of fragmentationPresent professional briefings on emerging risks through a hands-on capstone projectThis is the new global economy: interconnected, volatile, and driven by power as much as markets. From the Ukraine war's food and energy fallout to China's dominance in rare earths and batteries, economic statecraft now determines national security-and career success.You'll explore how institutions like the WTO are losing ground to unilateral tools, why energy remains a weapon despite the green transition, and how AI-driven demand is straining grids worldwide. Case studies include the U.S.-China tech decoupling, OPEC+ maneuvers, COP30 finance gaps, and the hidden role of private capital in resource control.I designed this course for professionals who need more than headlines: you'll learn through short, focused video lectures (8-12 mins), real 2024-2025 data, downloadable frameworks, and reflection prompts-no prior economics degree required. Each module builds toward actionable insight, culminating in a capstone where you analyze a live geopolitical-economic issue and deliver a policy brief or video presentation.By the end, you'll move beyond "what happened" to "what's likely to happen next"-and why. You'll speak with confidence in boardrooms, policy meetings, or strategy sessions, equipped with tools used by defense and national security professionals.This course was designed and delivered by Brigadier (Rtd.) Benedict Kioko Mwololo, drawing on 37 years of distinguished military service, including leadership roles in UN peacekeeping, aviation, and defense education at the National Defence University-Kenya. To ensure structural coherence and pedagogical clarity, AI tools were used in the development phase to assist with drafting outlines and assessment questions. All content has been rigorously reviewed, fact-checked, and personalized by the instructor-anchored in verified data, field experience, and strategic analysis. No AI-generated voice, video, or unvetted material is used.
Who this course is for
Professionals in international business, supply chain management, finance, or public policy seeking geopolitical literacy
Students of economics, political science, or international relations looking for real-world applications
Journalists, consultants, and analysts who need a structured framework to interpret global economic news
Informed citizens and lifelong learners curious about how wars, tariffs, and climate change affect the global economy
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