Political Economy: Analyzing Global Risks and Societal Futures

Global society faces unprecedented challenges from climate change, rapid AI adoption, and shifting demographics. Understanding these threats requires analyzing the complex interplay between political systems and economic realities. This course provides a foundational framework for analyzing existential and catastrophic global risks through the lens of political economy. You will move beyond surface-level narratives to understand the systemic forces driving these changes, preparing you to critically evaluate policy responses and future scenarios. What you'll learn: * Understand the core principles of political economy and how they apply to long-term societal stability. * Analyze the economic costs and political challenges associated with climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. * Examine the systemic impact of advanced automation and artificial intelligence on labor markets and social welfare systems. * Evaluate current global governance mechanisms designed to manage transnational risks like mass migration and pandemics. * Practice applying complex systems thinking to model potential feedback loops between environmental, technological, and political crises. The course begins by defining foundational concepts in political economy and risk analysis, then systematically moves through major threat categories—environmental, technological, and demographic—before concluding with an exploration of potential future governance models. This course is designed for absolute beginners interested in macroeconomics, political science, and future studies. No prior knowledge of economic modeling or political theory is required. Start reading today to develop a critical perspective on the forces shaping our collective future.