• Critically analyse a research topic based on conceptual and empirical insights gained from the course.
• Assess the explanatory power of the theoretical frameworks covered in the course and show in-depth knowledge of the chosen approach(es) in its(their) application.
• Demonstrate the ability to independently ask, justify, and delimit a clear research question and to answer it in a coherent manner by using relevant theory, methods and data consistent with each other and appropriate for the unit of analysis.

The course focuses on understanding risk and the governance of risk in the world economy. It introduces students to the broader themes of risk, uncertainty, ambiguity and crisis, and to advanced theories and methods of relevance for analyzing, and planning for, specialized problems within them.

Specifically, the course centers on the study of the various global economic and political agents who create, assess and manage risk in the world economy. It covers the role of cooperations, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and states, as well as new types of hybrid actors. In the process, the course aims to expand student understanding of economic and political processes and how these are shaped, and in turn affect, the operation of different types of public and private actors and the markets in which they operate.  

The course is structured so as to bring different actors into focus. There are two segments. The first part of the course is organized around how concepts of risk are interlinked with our understanding of governance, and explores how different actors tackle time horizons, systemic shocks, and mega trends, and the tools available to them. The second part of the course zooms into specific thematic areas in greater detail. Thematic focus will reflect world affairs and recent scholarship and is expected to cover finance, climate, cybersecurity, logistics and migration among others.  

Students are expected to develop their analytical reasoning, research and presentational skills. As part of the in-class workshop and the exam, students are to independently develop a research question and carry out the ensuing analysis using relevant theories, methods, and data.

In relation to Nordic Nine

Governing Risk in the World Economy provides students with concrete knowledge on humanity’s challenges and the role of business actors in addressing, mitigating, and avoiding nefarious effects on society (NN3). Dealing with risk, uncertainty and ambiguity, it offers students the tools to evaluate different ways of managing unknowns and dealing with crises (NN2). The course unpacks the values behind distinct managing mechanisms, highlights critical linkages between issue areas, and interrogates different notions of prosperity (NN7). The course imparts students with the means to engage critically with diverse approaches that privilege different types of stakeholders and to be rigorous with data in producing and presenting analysis (NN6). In the process, it relies on students coming together as peers to engage with each other’s work (NN8).