METHODOLOGY FOR GEOPOLYTICAL ANALYSIS

Course objectives

Based on an academic understanding of geopolitics, the main objective of the course is to provide advanced theoretical interpretative tools for the comparative understanding of world political systems and their geopolitical dynamics through the methodology of empirical research. Therefore, the acquisition of a geopolitical analysis methodology and the public communication of its outcomes become specific objectives of the course, as well as the development of critical skills and judgment on political dynamics. In this light, the global perspective of geopolitics allows the dynamics on a continental and national scale to be framed comparatively in a context provided with a general sense.

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EDOARDO BORIA Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
The course is structured in three closely connected parts: the initial phase is dedicated to concepts (e.g. scale), categories (e.g. state, nation) and analytical devices (e.g. border) to be used in a geopolitical analysis; subsequently, in order to show the concrete methods for carrying out an analysis, both general and particular operational guidelines will be provided through specific case studies; finally, the last part will be delivered as a laboratory for the presentation in the classroom of research activities carried out by the students under the supervision of the teacher. These research activities are individual and mandatory.
Prerequisites
The specialized and applied nature of "Methodology for geopolitical analysis" requires prior mastery of the theoretical tools of the discipline. They can be acquired in the master's degree course by passing the courses called "Theories and history of Geopolitics" or "Geopolitics of the sea".
Books
The instructor provides materials that students are required to study. Even those who do not attend must master this documentation.
Frequency
Attending the lessons is not compulsory and the teacher does not make any difference between attending and non-attending students. However, from what has been said it is clear that attending is a very useful aid to the best direct acquisition of a method for understanding international geopolitical dynamics, as it represents a continous training in the practice.
Exam mode
The testing of competences and skills will take two forms and the grade will be given by their combined outcome: - the result of the research activity presented during the course; - the oral discussion scheduled as the examination date. This final examination lasts approximately 20 minutes and consists of questions relating to the topics covered in the course
Lesson mode
The lectures will go with other didactic experiences (laboratories, open debates, seminars, meetings with scholars, individual research activities) useful to bring the knowledge acquired so far into the reality of international politics through a truly geopolitical methodology.
  • Lesson code10606594
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseInternational Relations and Supranational Institutions
  • CurriculumRelazioni internazionali e istituzioni sovranazionali (percorso valido per il conseguimento del doppio titolo italo-francese)
  • Year2nd year
  • Semester1st semester
  • SSDM-GGR/02
  • CFU9