Duration: 6 weeks (6-7
sessions) | Format: Live Online & Self-Paced | Level: Foundation | Prerequisites:
None
Master foundational concepts and frameworks of geopolitical analysis. Through an interactive program, learn classical and contemporary approaches to understanding global dynamics from a leading expert in global affairs and great power competition.
Master foundational concepts and frameworks of geopolitical analysis with Rodger Baker, Executive Director of the Stratfor Center for Applied Geopolitics. Through an interactive program, learn classical and contemporary approaches to understanding global dynamics from a leading expert in global affairs and great power competition.
Key topics:
- Classical geopolitical theory and key thinkers
- Geographical thinking and map analysis
- Political, economic, and security dynamics
- Technology's role in geopolitics
- Social and historical factors
- Great power competition
- Multidisciplinary analytical approaches
Learning outcomes:
- Master classical and modern geopolitical frameworks
- Develop advanced geographical thinking skills
- Analyze complex political-economic-security relationships
- Apply multidisciplinary analytical approaches
- Create professional analytical assessments
Course format:
- Small-group cohort
- Interactive live sessions with direct faculty engagement
- Comprehensive pre-readings
- Ongoing discussion forum access
- Session recordings for review
- Professional networking opportunities
Faculty:
Rodger Baker brings over
two decades of experience in strategic analysis and forecasting. As Executive
Director of the Stratfor Center for Applied Geopolitics and Senior Fellow at
the George H. W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations, he specializes in
Indo-Pacific affairs, great power competition, and multidisciplinary approaches
to geopolitical analysis. His expertise in developing mid- and long-term
forecasts helps organizations navigate complex global dynamics.
Duration: 6 weeks | Format: Live Online & Self-Paced | Level: Foundation | Prerequisites:
None
Navigate today’s complex geopolitical landscape with clarity and precision through the COMPASS Framework, a comprehensive analytical model developed by Dr. Steven Smith. This course introduces participants to seven strategic bearings: Culture, Organization, Military, Production, Alliances, Spatial, and Sustainability. Each serves as a critical reference point for understanding how nations and actors operate within the international system. By integrating historical depth analysis with contemporary assessments, learners gain both temporal perspective and structured methodology for evaluating state power and strategic behavior.
Led by Dr. Smith, the course combines conceptual foundations with applied exercises, equipping participants to conduct rigorous geopolitical analysis and strengthen forecasting capabilities.

Key topics:
- The seven COMPASS strategic bearings: Culture, Organization, Military, Production, Alliances, Spatial, Sustainability
- Historical integration and temporal depth in geopolitical analysis
- Mixed-method approaches (quantitative and qualitative)
- Strategic orientation and situational awareness
- Comparative country analysis and actor assessment
- Application to forecasting, crisis assessment, and planning
Learning outcomes:
-
Apply the COMPASS Framework to evaluate actors across multiple dimensions
- Integrate historical depth with contemporary analysis for stronger forecasting
- Conduct comparative studies and country-level assessments using standardized bearings
- Identify strategic strengths, vulnerabilities, and opportunities in global contexts
Course format:
- Expert-led interactive sessions
- Real-world geopolitical case studies
- Applied analytical exercises using the COMPASS model
- Structured frameworks for forecasting and planning
- Professional tools for comparative and country-level assessments
- Hands-on applications for strategic analysis
Faculty:
Steven Smith brings over
25 years of experience integrating geopolitical analysis with strategic
planning. His multidisciplinary approach, developed through experience in
corporate leadership, academia, and global consulting, provides unique insights
into applying the PESTEL framework across diverse organizational contexts.