• Grenoble Ecole de Management

Global Studies: Cultures and Organizations in International Relations

Explore whether cultural, institutional and environmental differences can be overcome to create a more cooperative world.

13,515 enrolled on this course

A  folding screen with camelia in bloom by Japanese artist Hayami Gyoshû, an allegory of harmony.
  • Duration

    4 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours
  • Accreditation

    AvailableMore info

Examine whether global cooperation is possible despite cultural difference

We live in a wonderfully diverse world, but with difference often comes conflict. Is global cooperation between humans possible despite their cultural, institutional, and environmental differences? Do ideological confrontations endanger international cooperation?

Find out with this course exploring organizations and cultures across the globe. Evaluate beliefs about the “clash of civilisations” and examine whether our world really is becoming more liberal.

Des traductions françaises sont disponibles pour ce cours

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Skip to 0 minutes and 10 seconds As different as we are, can we collaborate? With conflicting memories, can we build a world government? When talking about global order what immediately comes to mind are our past failures to make such a world possible, like the League of Nations, two and even three world wars, or failed states by the dozen and the current limit to electoral integrity. There are countless obstacles on the road to peace and prosperity. In the past, taking refuge in cultural values and identities was easier than interacting with foreigners. But living in isolation is not the only barrier to sound globalisation. Norms that once promoted free markets and elections as well as human rights are increasingly contested. Progress is no longer consensual.

Skip to 1 minute and 4 seconds Science has lost its appeal, and universal ethics is replaced by local rules of morality. Alternatives to the left/right divide of the West have become popular in the rest of the world. Confucianism and Islamism are back in the global South. Even in the global North the Republican creed, born during the revolutions of the 18th century, is now contested. Agreements between dozens of powers used to be commonplace. But today, with almost 200 countries, agreements seem unattainable. There are many more stakeholders beyond government, international organisations. While within each nation, minorities weaken its negotiating power. There are good news too. People are attached to world institutions. Inequality and injustice are increasingly criticised. Domination, oligarchy, hegemony are no longer accepted.

Skip to 2 minutes and 7 seconds Rising states endorse the existing rules, like international law or diplomatic protocols. Organisations expand. They address unsolved issues and enduring conflicts. Their networks are stronger. Their legitimacy is less doubted. But the dilemma persists in other guises. We can promote integration of our cultures and regimes into a global compound, or draw a demarcation line with strangers, foreign powers, and multilateral institutions. In this course, you will find fruitful thought about this dilemma and possibly solve it, at least for yourself.

What topics will you cover?

  • Universalism and authenticity
  • Modernity and tradition
  • Conflicting ideologies
  • Pretended or true cultural distinctions
  • Going alone or getting along
  • Intercultural negotiations
  • Waves of democratisation
  • Waves of deregulation
  • Setbacks: non linear change
  • Nationalism, anti-colonialism
  • Back to the past: the world in 1925
  • A step towards the future: the World in 2025

Who is this accredited by?

European Foundation for Management Development
European Foundation for Management Development:

The European Foundation for Management Development is Europe’s largest network association in the field of management development.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Improve your knowledge in international studies (including history, theories of international relations and international economics.)
  • Compare the way international institutions and national states address the fragmentation of World politics and policies (with the help of intercultural and organizational studies).
  • Reflect upon economic, demographic, geographic, and anthropological data.

Who is the course for?

This course will be of particular interest to business and international relations students, professionals who work in global businesses, IGOs and NGOs experts and negotiators who are or may be confronted to intercultural experiences.

However it doesn’t require any previous experience and anyone with an interest in global politics and culture can take part.

Who will you learn with?

Pr. of political science, University of Grenoble Alpes & Institut Universitaire de France (Global & Comparative Politics); visiting scholar, Grenoble Ecole de Management

Who developed the course?

Grenoble Ecole de Management

For the past 30 years, Grenoble Ecole de Management (GEM) has established itself in France and abroad as a leading business school through expertise in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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