Over the past half-century, globalization has fostered an increasingly interconnected world. International trade and multinational corporations now play more than twice as large a role in the world economy as they did just a few decades ago. In 2019 alone, there was nearly $25 trillion in goods and services traded and more than $1.5 trillion in global corporate capital invested. Meanwhile, as we have entered the digital age, international data flows have skyrocketed, creating yet another means of enhancing global interconnectivity.

However, despite staggering advances along various dimensions, globalization is under threat. Present threats stem from populist/nationalist movements the world over; geo-political tensions between the world’s economic and military powers; concerns about job loss, social and economic inequalities, and environmental degradation; technological changes that could shift supply chains from foreign markets back to domestic markets; and the lingering effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the desire or the perceived need to engage in global exchange.

Combining lecture, discussion, and individual and group exercises, this short course addresses the prospects for globalization. Participants will learn about the past, present, and future of globalization, while developing the ability to strategically navigate a rapidly changing global landscape. Additionally, participants will focus on specific skills needed to manage globalization, especially given its likely trends. Participants will learn a variety of analytical frameworks related to globalization and apply the frameworks to future globalization challenges.

Upon completion of this course, participants will receive a Certificate of Achievement.