Module 2: Geopolitics and Political Risks in the Middle East
oiip Academy
Module 2: Geopolitics and Political Risks in the Middle East
27. November 2025
The second module of our "How to navigate Geopolitical Risks" modular Executive Education Course series provides participants with a structured introduction to geopolitical risks, political and societal dynamics and trends in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. In an interactive one-day hybrid format participants will explore how to map strategic dynamics, assess regional trends, and apply early warning tools to better understand developments in this complex and often misunderstood region.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will:
- Introduce key concepts and methods of geopolitical analysis.
- Develop a nuanced understanding of the Middle East and its political specificities.
- Explore regional actors, ideologies, and the role of perception in shaping narratives.
- Learn to identify and assess visible and hidden drivers of conflict and transformation.
- Build foundational skills in strategic mapping and trend interpretation
Full-Day Schedule
09:00 – 09:30 | Opening & Orientation
09:30 – 10:45 | Middle East in Transition: An Introduction to Political and Social Dynamics
Key Takeaways:
Develop a deeper understanding of the Middle East/MENA region beyond common narratives. Explore the region’s diversity, political systems, and key state and non-state actors. Reflect on how perceptions shape regional and global engagement.
Skills Taught: Contextual political analysis of a complex and dynamic region. Critical examination of dominant narratives and frameworks. Comparative understanding of political ideologies and movements.
10:45 – 11:00 | Coffee Break
11:00 – 12:30 | Mapping Risk and Power in the MENA Region
Key Takeaways: Understanding of the key factors that determine political and societal dynamics in the region. Gain a strategic understanding of complex global dynamics. Learn to interpret both visible and hidden drivers of political and social change. Build awareness of major global and regional trends shaping the future.
Skills Taught: Middle East literacy (The skill to read and analyze relevant (visible and invisible) trends in the Middle East. Strategic, map-based geopolitical analysis. Critical thinking and pattern recognition in volatile contexts.
12:30 – 13:15 | Lunch
13:15 – 14:45 | From Risk Awareness to Monitoring
Key Takeaways: Understand the limits and potential of political risk assessments. Learn how to identify early signs of instability and emerging trends. Reflect on how perception, norms, and organizational blind spots can shape analysis.
Skills Taught: Critical evaluation of sources and risk frameworks. Early warning analysis using open-source information.Building internal capabilities for geopolitical monitoring and foresight.
14:45 – 15:00 | Coffee Break
15:00 – 16:30 | Embedding Regional Literacy in Decision-Making
Key Takeaways: Understand how regional knowledge can inform real-world decisions.Learn to apply political awareness to sector-specific contexts. Explore the practical value of Middle East literacy in strategic planning on case studies.
Skills Taught: Translating geopolitical insight into actionable risk assessments. Integrating political analysis into organizational processes.
16:00 – 17:00 | Closing Discussion & Action Mapping
Materials Provided
- Executive Handbook: Core Concepts in Geopolitics of the Middle East, including relevant articles, policy analyses and maps.
- REFLECTIONS – oiip Magazine
- Curated Source List: Intelligence, think tanks, media, academia