Module 1: Geopolitical Thinking in Practice
oiip Academy
Module 1: Geopolitical Thinking in Practice
23. October 2025
In this first module of our "How to navigate Geopolitical Risks" modular Executive Education Course series participants will explore how geopolitical thinking can be applied in practice. In an interactive one-day hybrid format participants are introduced to classical and contemporary theories of geopolitics, gain tools for analyzing power dynamics in today’s complex world, and examine emerging global risks — from chokepoints and infrastructure dependencies to the technology race and shifting executive power.
Through real-world case studies and interactive exercises, the modules focus on why foresight sometimes fails and how organizations can strengthen their internal capabilities. The final module emphasizes turning awareness into action — integrating geopolitical insight into decision-making processes across sectors.
Course Objectives
- Understand key geopolitical theories and trends.
- Analyze emerging risks across regions and sectors.
- Identify early warning signals and potential disruptions.
- Apply geopolitical insight to real-world decision-making.
Full-Day Schedule
09:00 – 09:30 | Opening & Orientation
09:30 – 10:45 | Geopolitical Theories & Power in the 21st Century
Key Takeaways: Distinguish between key concepts in global politics and strategy. Understand classical and contemporary geopolitical thought. Explore how power is projected in today’s complex global landscape.
Skills Taught: Conceptual clarity in international affairs and risk frameworks. Analytical tools for assessing geopolitical and political risk. Ability to interpret state behavior through geopolitical lenses. Adapting strategic thinking to emerging domains like cyber and information space.
10:45 – 11:00 | Coffee Break
11:00 – 12:15 | Shifting Power & Global Pressure Points
Key Takeaways: Understand shifting global power dynamics and the rise of strategic competition. Explore how geography, infrastructure, and technology shape modern geopolitics. Examine how executive power, economic tools, and climate pressures influence global strategy.
Skills Taught: Strategic map-based analysis of chokepoints and influence zones. Assessment of infrastructure vulnerabilities and geo-economic risks. Integrating political, technological, and environmental factors into risk thinking.
12:15 – 13:15 | Lunch
13:15 – 14:30 | Why Foresight Fails & How to Fix It
Key Takeaways: Learn from past foresight failures and cognitive biases.Understand where and how to look for meaningful signals. Evaluate and track trend stability and potential disruptions.
Skills Taught: Identifying and evaluating early warning signals and trend disruptions. Distinguishing between sources, signals, and structural drivers. Building internal capability for geopolitical foresight and risk monitoring.
14:30 – 14:45 | Coffee Break
14:45 – 16:00 | From Awareness to Action
Key Takeaways: Learn how to apply geopolitical insight to concrete business and policy decisions. Understand the practical relevance of geopolitical thinking across sectors.
Skills Taught: Translating geopolitical awareness into actionable strategy. Conducting context-sensitive risk assessments for investment or infrastructure projects. Bridging analysis and decision-making in complex environments.
16:00 – 16:30 | Closing Discussion & Action Mapping
Materials Provided
- Executive Handbook: Core Concepts in Geopolitics including relevant articles, policy analyses and maps.
- Curated Source List: Intelligence, think tanks, media, academia