Practicing Politics and Government in an Age of Disruption

Catalog description

What drives global disruption, and how should leaders respond? Can traditional tools of statecraft—diplomacy, defence, communications—adapt to an age of populism and technological upheaval? And what choices must leaders make when confronting crises that reshape the international order? The first quarter of the 21st Century has been a period of rapid change. Seismic events, principally 9/11 (2001), the Iraq war (2003), the financial crisis (2008), the Syrian conflict (2011), Russia's invasion of Ukraine (2014, 2022), the Coronavirus pandemic (2020) and renewed tensions in the Middle East (2023) have created an era of insecurity and turbulence in international affairs while helping to fuel the rise of populism in domestic politics. In this course, students will investigate the causes and consequences of this period of disruption, focusing on the challenges and choices that world leaders face. Using original source material, contemporary political and historical commentary, and the instructor's own extensive experience and insights, students will consider how the practical tools available to leaders are radically changing. Students will also interview expert witnesses—advisors, civil servants, politicians and journalists. Each topic will conclude with a written exercise related to the real-life practice of politics, where students will explore the choices leaders must make in this disrupted age. This course will be offered in January-Term 2026. This course is taught by David Cameron.