Global Issues Labs

Overview

Global Issues Labs are rigorous, discussion-driven online Labs focused on understanding and navigating the world’s most complex challenges. Participants analyze geopolitical, economic, social, and technological issues while learning to think on their feet, weigh competing interests, and articulate informed positions under uncertainty. These Labs prioritize depth, judgment, and intellectual independence over surface-level knowledge.

Teaching Style

Global Issues Labs are seminar-style and facilitator-guided. Sessions center on questioning, discussion, and structured debate rather than lectures. Facilitators challenge assumptions, press for clarity, and guide participants toward deeper analysis. Students are expected to actively engage, respond to opposing viewpoints, and refine their thinking in real time.

Curriculum

The curriculum is organized around major global themes, including:

• International relations and geopolitics

• Global economics and development

• Governance, democracy, and power

• Technology, risk, and societal change

• Ethics and global responsibility

Content is drawn from current events and long-term structural trends, with regional perspectives integrated throughout. Complexity increases over time, requiring participants to synthesize information across disciplines.

Requirements and Merit

Participation is merit-based. Students are expected to prepare, engage seriously, and contribute thoughtfully. Prior knowledge is not required, but intellectual curiosity, discipline, and respect for rigorous discussion are essential. Progression is based on demonstrated reasoning, engagement, and growth.

Assessment and Progress

Evaluation is qualitative and developmental. Feedback focuses on:

• Analytical depth and coherence

• Ability to think on one’s feet

• Engagement with complexity and uncertainty

• Growth in judgment and articulation over time

Advancement reflects sustained improvement and intellectual maturity rather than test-based performance.