Gaming Geopolitics

The goal

The goal of the course is to introduce students to the theoretical and practical aspects of connecting games and geopolitics. Through the analysis of classical and critical geopolitics, as well as the use of serious games, the course explores how games can help in understanding historical and contemporary international relations. Through lectures, readings, and discussions of academic literature, as well as participation in various games, students learn about the history of geopolitics and contemporary geopolitical processes.

The outcome

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to understand the fundamental concepts and development of classical and critical geopolitics, as well as to analyze how games, from simulations to strategic games, can serve as tools for studying international relations. Students will develop the ability to analyze contemporary geopolitical events through games, identify actors, interests, and power dynamics, and apply the acquired knowledge to anticipate possible scenarios and outcomes in international politics.

Contents of lectures

1. Classical and Critical Geopolitics through Games
2. Dynastic Geopolitics in the 18th Century
3. The Long 19th Century and Geopolitics
4. The First World War and Geopolitics
5. The Second World War and Geopolitics
6. Reading Week
7. The Bipolar World during the Cold War
8. Reading Week
9. Geopolitical Reconfiguration after the Cold War
10. Reading Week
11. The Multipolar World and American Hegemony
12. The Multipolar World and American Hegemony II
13. Reading Week
14. The EU and NATO in the 21st Century
15. The EU and NATO in the 21st Century II

1. Week 1: Dodds, K. (2007). Geopolitics: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press, Chapter 1 “Geopolitics, Past and Present,” pp. 1–22;

2. Week 1: Ó Tuathail, G. (1996). Critical Geopolitics: The Politics of Writing Global Space. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, Introduction, pp. 1–12;

3. Week 1: Dalby, S. (1991). Critical Geopolitics: Discourse, Difference, and Dissent. Environment and Planning D: Society and Space, 9(3), 261–283

Lectures, seminars