Micro-credential Programme "World Politics and Influence Operations"

in collaboration with the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies

Duration: Spring 2024/2025 
Form of study: Real-time seminars and lectures will take place 100% online. Lectures will also be recorded and can be watched afterwards. The learners are expected to participate in at least 5 lectures in both courses. 
Language: English 
Study fee: 1750 euros 

The Global Politics and Foreign Influence micro-credential explores the forces shaping global politics and the evolving structures of world order, and also information manipulation processes that aim to threaten security. Participants will investigate critical issues, including the role of digital societies, the resilience of democratic systems amid populism and disinformation, the impact of longstanding alliances and emerging security threats, and various forms of information disorder and approaches to countering foreign influence activities.

Target audience

Anyone interested, but especially people working in the following fields: diplomacy, journalism, international relations, various educational institutions, think tanks, analysis centres, etc. 

Lecturers

Toomas Hendrik Ilves - Visiting Professor at the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies 
Sten Hansson - Associate Professor of Communication Studies at the Institute of Social Sciences 

Micro-credential Programme Courses

SVJS.00.104 Global Politics and World Order (Thursdays from 17:00 to 20:30).

This course examines the factors shaping global politics and the emerging structures of the world order. Its aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the complex relationships between major powers, transregional alliances, and small states in today's geopolitical situation. Participants will analyse key issues, including the role of the digital society, the resilience of democratic systems under conditions of populism and misinformation, as well as the impact of long-term alliances and new security threats. By exploring both theoretical frameworks and real-world cases, this course equips students with analytical skills to interpret current global changes and envision the future in the context of global cooperation and governance. 

SVUH.00.291 Global Information Disorder and Foreign Influence Operations (Tuesdays from 17:00 to 20:30) 

Global information disorder - the widespread and extraordinarily rapid production, dissemination, and consumption of false and harmful information - threatens people's lives and hinders the functioning of democracy worldwide. In this context, citizens and governments are increasingly targeted by hostile foreign information influence activities, causing them to act in ways that are not in their own interests but benefit foreign powers. This course provides a strong foundation for understanding these challenges, dissecting their causes, and developing possible interventions and policy solutions. Students will learn about different forms of information disorder and approaches to countering foreign influence operations. 

Micro-credential Programme graduate will 

• understand and analyse the challenges of the information society and have an overview of the main approaches to dealing with hostile information influence activities 
• recognize information operations by different foreign countries and understand the use of strategic narratives and other international influence tools 
• critically assess the role of regional and global alliances and their impact on world order and security 
• evaluate the impact of digital transition and misinformation on governance, democracy, and international relations 
• see various strategies and solutions to combat global information influence 

Application period starts on December 2, 2024, and ends on January 26, 2025. 

The course begins on March 4 and ends on April 24, 2025.

Registration does not automatically guarantee a place in the training. 

More information and registration