Geopolitical Studies (GPS)
Charles University
Student Prospectus
Get hands-on experience, create the world you want to live in
https://ips.fsv.cuni.cz/
Why study
Geopolitics?
The term "geopolitics" has become widely used
in various settings, including on television and in
lecture halls. It is now commonly associated with
international strategic rivalry, and has become an
important concept in modern discourse.
"My Commission will be a geopolitical
Commission committed to sustainable policies
(Ursula von der Leyen, 2019)."
Study geopolitics in the friendly
cosmopolitan environment of Prague
WHY CHARLES UNIVERSITY?
Meet like minded people from around the world and join our prestigous
alumni. Enjoy a tailor-made program, with a 95% international student
body, and interactive classes.
Live in safety in the heart of Europe where the Czech Republic is
consistently ranked in the Top 10 safest countries in the World.
As the essence of geopolitics is the study of interstate conflict with a
geographic perspective - there is no better place to study Geopolitics
than Prague.
Mission goal: GPS brings together students,
academic staff, and external lecturers from every
corner of the world to make a difference
Debate international intervention with students from Kosovo and
Serbia, or students who were deployed in Afghanistan or Iraq.
Discuss world politics with lecturers who have worked across the
globe.
Brainstorm security in Africa with General Eeben Barlow who
fought against insurgencies in Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and Angola.
GPS students have come from over 50 countries
12 Annual International Geopolitical
Conferences with guests from all over the world
Geopolitics is more relevant to world affairs
than ever before
Prime Ministers of Germany, the Netherlands, and French president
Macron launched the Institute for Geopolitics on October 7th, 2022 in
Prague to boost the EU´s thinking in terms of power, interests, and
identity.
Program overview
GPS is a two-year English-language Master’s degree program which
combines disciplines of Geography, Geostrategy, Geoeconomics,
International Relations, and Politics.
The terms Geopolitics and International Relations (IR) have been used
interchangeably. Geopolitics, however, is about much more. Geography dictates
the course of events. Geography defines what a nation is or can be (and from which
our world leaders have often struggled to break free).
Geopolitics is more relevant than ever. In the age of global uncertainty, war in Ukraine
affecting security in Europe, deteriorating stability in Africa and the Middle East, US-China
tensions having direct effects on the situation in Asia, and the global security of supply
chains being disrupted - geopolitical analysis is of the essence.
The GPS program is focused on understanding how the world works in this age of
unprecedented connectivity, downgrading security, and growing geostrategic tensions.
Students will learn why geography may be a tyrant but also can be a country´s greatest
advantage. In GPS you will become skilled at geopolitical and geoeconomic analysis, gain
empirical knowledge of regions and countries, develop your analytical, writing, and
argumentation skills as well as understanding of cutting-edge theories. Students are
taught by leading academic specialists with extensive policy networks and practitioners
to understand the geopolitical landscape and events shaping the environment in which
states and businesses operate.
Program structure
The program is structured to take advantage of the multidisciplinary nature of the Institute
of Political Studies (IPS) and the Faculty of Social Sciences as a whole. Students are
encouraged to connect different fields of study and combine a global perspective with
attention to detail and local interests.
The GPS curriculum is designed to emphasize two core elements that guarantee the ongoing
success of our graduates. Firstly, our students acquire a strong empirical knowledge of world
problems. Secondly, they gain practical skills to effectively apply their knowledge and make a
difference.
The structure of courses is built on 2 pillars:
GPS emphasizes understanding of long-term effects of power transformation on world
politics and a comprehensive analysis on how geopolitical, geoeconomic, demographic
trends will re-shape the geopolitical environment and affect world regions in the ongoing
shifting global dynamics. Study how great-powers rivalry can lead to regional instability,
global-trade conflicts, shifting state alliances, or the changing role of territory and
borders. Issues such as the Geopolitics of climate change or the role of non-state actors
are essential components of global dynamics. You will learn about strategic competition,
what drives states to start wars or engage in intra-state conflicts, and the processes
leading to state failure.
I. Geopolitics is a discipline analyzing how the world works (with an emphasis
on the role of great powers, their drivers and motivations, development of
geopolitics and geostrategy, geopolitics of world regions, theoretical and
empirical understanding of war, geopolitical schools of thought, and the role of
sovereignty and international recognition in world politics);
In addition to this robust empirical and theoretical knowledge, GPS is a career-focused
program emphasizing hands-on experience. Study practically oriented courses such as
Political Risk Analysis, Geopolitical Debates, Geopolitics of Defence Industry and Arms
Trade, or undertake an Internship at the Ministry of Defence. Throughout the curriculum,
interactive lectures and seminars are designed to:
II. Build empirical knowledge, acquire analytical skills and expand expertness
over language, writing, and argumentation skills in practically oriented courses.
Learn in classes taught by world-renowned guest lecturers and exprienced
exper senior policy makers. Acquire unique skills through a wide range of
courses and extra-school activities, and additionally build networks necessary
for your future career-paths.
Course Structure
Over the duration of the program, students obtain a total of 120 ECTS credits in 3 types
of courses:
I. Compulsory courses (61 ECTS credits) covering essential areas of Geopolitics and
including 2 Master´s thesis seminars (12 ECTS) and Geopolitical methods designed to
help students to write their MA theses.
II. Elective courses (41 ECTS at least) selected from wide offer of classes covering
different fields of Geopolitics.
III. Optional courses (12 ECTS at maximum) that students can choose according to their
area of interest.
Courses on offer include:
· Geopolitics and Geostrategy · Geopolitics of Africa
· World Regions · Geopolitics of Latin America
· Sovereignty, Unrecognized States · Geopolitics of the Middle East
· Political Risk Analysis · Geopolitics of Great Powers - China, Russia,
· War, Politics and Society & Transatlantic Space
· Theories of International Relations · Violent Non-state Actors
· Geopolitics of Defence Industry and Arms Trade · Astropolitics
· Geopolitics of Climate Change · Geopolitical Thought
· Geopolitics of Central Europe · Geopolitical Debates and Internship
GPS Graduate Profile
When you graduate, you will join an alumni network that has gone on to work in
diplomacy, international organizations, national agencies, international business, or
academia.
GPS graduates have pursued successful careers all over the world. Strong empirical
knowledge of the world, methodological and theoretical background, and practical skills
make them highly valued experts and prepare them to become country risk, intelligence
or security analysts, and start a career in diplomacy, foreign affairs, security, trade
sector, defence or the defence industry, or join international organizations such as NATO,
the European Union, or work in international business, media, or continue a career in
academia or think-tanks, and the world of NGO´s.
EXAMPLES OF EXCELLENT THESES:
Geopolitical concepts Conceptualizing Location – One term,
many meanings, a lot of problems
Geopolitical theories: Intermarium concept in contemporary
geopolitics
Geoeconomics: The Effects of US Sanctions in Venezuela
Geopolitics of regions: The Balkans after 1991 through the
prism of geopolitics
Border studies: Attitudes of border dwellers as indicators of the
evolution of geopolitical reality in states – the case of the
Czech Republic
Climate change: The effect of climate change on state security:
An analysis of Burkina Faso and Djibouti
In the GPS program you will become skilled at geopolitical and political geographic
analysis, gain empirical knowledge of regions and countries, develop your analytical and
writing skills as well as understand cutting-edge theories. Our mission goal is to prepare
you for your future careers in International Organizations, National Agencies such as
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Defence, International business, think-tanks, or academia.
Graduate Testimonies
“After completing my studies, I couldn’t imagine a better course or University to
have studied my masters. I chose to do geopolitics because of its real world
relevance, coming from an engineering background. The course proved to be
incredibly useful with the lecturers providing extensive practical expertise and
having knowledge on a diverse range of different topics. We also had access
to a number of guest lecturers that greatly enhanced the masters experience.
Because of my time studying geopolitics at Prague, I now have multiple
opportunities as a researcher and analyst as there is a good understanding of
the high level of knowledge and skills of Charles University’s alumni. I also had
the opportunity to make some very good friends and develop connections that
will be invaluable throughout my career, such as meeting my co-host of a
geopolitics themed podcast. Lastly, I would like to say that Prague is one of the
best cities to live in. I have lived in four countries on three continents and am
happy to call Prague my home even after completing the masters program.”
Ronan Wordsworth (Australia)
Analyst at Geopolitical Futures, and a former GPS student
"At first, my main motivation in applying to the GPS
program was to live abroad for a while. Of course,
ensuring quality education was there as well, but
experiencing the world was central. Being an interesting
program, form a great university, in a beautiful city, GPS
looked like the perfect match for that. During my stay at
GPS this motive was fulfilled, but it went beyond this
‘objective’. Fast-forward four years, I am a PhD student
and research assistant whose area of focus is resting
upon the foundations built at the GPS program. Having a
rich, detailed and interestingly interwoven program, GPS
allowed me to acquire the basics needed to adequately
tackle geopolitical issues, while having the opportunity,
firstly to identify and then explore in-depth areas I found
most interesting. Professors were open to consult, help
or provide their advice every step of the way, which did
not end when I graduated. Even today, I am still in
contact with many of my professors, either to consult or
to collaborate, for which I am grateful. Perhaps I could
have found another place to experience the world, but I
am doubtful that I could have gained this kind of an
experience."
Mihajlo Kopanja (Serbia)
Research assistant at the Institute of International Politics and
Economics, Belgrade, Serbia, and a former GPS student
"I am currently the Lead Problem Sourcing Analyst for
the U.S. Department of Defense program called
"Hacking for Defense". I use the knowledge learned
in my GPS studies to not only quickly source
problems from our DoD participants, but to then
curate that problem down to its root cause. Hacking
for Defense® is a university course sponsored by the
Department of Defense that teaches students to
work with the Defense and Intelligence Communities
to rapidly address the nation’s emerging threats and
security challenges."
Claire Bouchard (USA)
US Department of Defense
"Studying at the GPS program at Charles University in Prague has been a wonderful privilege
and I deeply encourage everyone to apply. The proposal to combine geography with political
science in the field of geopolitics caught my attention from the beginning and the result is an
amazing list of courses, all of which I have enjoyed to the fullest. The program provides a solid
theoretical background as well as research methods allowing the student to undertake
meaningful geopolitical analysis of the most varied regions and international topics. This is
accomplished thanks to professors who always inspire the students to think, propose and
debate, skills which are in very much need today. It all takes place in a splendid environment,
at a traditional and prestigious university, in one of the most magnificent cities you will find.
Four years after my graduation I still look back with joy at those days at GPS program. I
recommend it to all those interested in understanding our world today and I look forward to
visiting once again, this time as a researcher, on occasion of future seminars and conferences
on geopolitics."
Matías Iglesias (Argentine)
Assistant Professor at the University of Palermo,
Argentina, and a former GPS student
International Cooperation
Spend the second year in Taipei & get a second diploma in East Asian geopolitics, or
travel to Africa. The global nature of the GPS provides students a opportunity of a
wide selection of international academic exchange programs arranged with renowned
universities in the EU, the UK, the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, and
Australia. There is also an increasing number of academic and research institutions in
Africa cooperating with the GPS program. A strong side of the GPS is excellent
research and our students are encouraged to get involved in our Geopolitical Studies
Research Center and team up with our staff.
OUR RESEARCH AREAS
INCLUDE:
Geopolitics, territory, and conflicts
State sovereignty and international recognition
Geopolitics of world regions
Globalization and border
Geopolitics of Africa
Russia and China in the Global South
Violent non-state actors
Disintegration of political space
Endorsed by Executive
Outcomes
Work closely with Executive Outcomes’ Chairman, Eeben
Barlow. He has served as a Maj Gen in several African
armed forces and was the Honorary Consul for an African
government. He provides unique insights and
understandings from a successful practitioner’s view and
his hands-on approach has proven highly effective in
numerous high and low intensity conflicts across the
continent. He is engaged as a political advisor, military
strategist and confidant by various African governments. He
is the author of four highly-acclaimed books on conflict and
war in Africa and is a Research Fellow with the Faculty of
Military Science of Stellenbosch University where he works
with the Security Institute for Governance and Leadership in
Africa (SIGLA) of Stellenbosch University on landward
security governance.
“Africa is a diverse and complex continent. If
we do not grasp the essence of its
contemporary history, we will never
understand how to contribute to support the
continent along a positive trajectory. If we
continue to view the continent through a
European lens, we will fail to add value to it.
Similarly, if we fail to speak truth to power, we
will be complicit in its fragility. As great power
competition continues, and several shatter
belts appear or are about to show themselves,
our understanding becomes even more critical.
If we learn from the past, and assess the
present, we will be able to offer valid
predictions for the future.”
Double Degree
Oppurtunities
Double degree in East Asia Geopolitics
Students have the opportunity to apply for a Double
Degree.
This allows them to spend a year in Taipei to enhance
their knowledge at the prestigious National Taiwan
University.
Students that successfully complete the double
degree will receive diplomas from both institutions.
Attend World Class
Conferences & Events
Dr. Jeffrey Herbst, President of the American Jewish University speaking at the 2021
Geopolitical Conference
While studying you have the opportunity to:
Attend the Annual Geopolitical conference with renowned guests from around the
World - 2023's topic: New Cold War in Global Geopolitics
Undertake internships with the Ministry of Defence, The Geopolitical Research Centre,
or The Geopolitical Pickle podcast.
Have guest lecturers from specialist fields to give specific insights from practical
experience.
Suggest events to host within the Faculty including formal and informal debates.
Participate in social activities outside classes where you can meet lecturers in an
informal setting to better understand geopolitics
Build your network and
find your niche skills
Gen. Eeben Barlow, Founder and Chairman of Executive Outcomes, Republic of South
Africa.
The GPS offers students multiple opportunities to build their
networks:
I. You may meet world – renowned scholars such as S. Hansen, A. Heraclides, or S.
Pavkovič at our Annual Geopolitical Conference;
II. Learn from legends such as Eeben Barlow (Executive Outcomes), or Antonia
Colibasanu (senior analyst at Geopolitical Futures), policy-makers, or ambassadors;
III. Learn to write policy papers under auspices of our senior staff at the Geopolitics
Research Center;
IV. Improve your argumentation skills at weekly Geopolitical Debates with foreign
experts;
V. Learn from practitioners in our Internsip program;
VI. Learn from senior students and alumni running the Geopolitical Pickle Podcast
project.
Tuition fees and finances
Tuition Fee: 7 000 EUR per year
Reduction or Waiving the Fee: The Faculty of Social Sciences offers a set of
scholarships and fee reductions. GPS runs its own merit-based fee reduction scheme,
whereby excellent and highly motivated students are eligible for fee reductions.
Details are available at the Faculty website in the Tuition fees section at
https://fsv.cuni.cz/en/admissions/scholarships-funding-and-fees.
The Faculty of Social Sciences also administers a Development Scholarship program and
a separate general merit-based scholarship, the details of which are available in the
Scholarships section of the Faculty website.
Reasons to study
geopolitics in prague
1. 🏆 Study at CZ’s top-ranking university
(#226 Best Global Universities) and one of
the oldest Universities in the world
2. 🎤 Learn from world-renowned lecturers,
legendary practitioners, decision-makers,
and ambassadors in a career – focused
7. 🍻 Study in the Czech Republic ranked
among the world´s top 10 safest countries
program
3. 👯♀️ Meet new friends in the highly
(Global Peace Index)
8. ✈ Benefit from extensive international
cosmopolitan and friendly environment of
cooperation. Spend the second year it
students from all continents and join our
Taipei to get the second diploma in East
alumni
4. 🗺 Gain an empirical knowledge of
Asian geopolitics, or travel on exchange to
Africa
regions and practical skills to become a
geopolitical analyst, and a regional or
9. 🌍 Build your network through guest
lecturers´ courses such as Antonia
country expert
5. 💹 Benefit from internship placement to
Colibasanu (senior analyst at Geopolitical
Futures), or Eeben Barlow (Executive
be ready for a career in a business
Outcomes)
environment
6. 🏛 Understand cutting-edge theories and 10. 🏰 There is no better place to study
geopolitics than Prague, voted the most
methods which open the path to academia
beautiful city in the world (Timeout)
or think-tanks
11. 🌐 Team-up with our staff, get involved in
our research and policy projects, develop
your skills at the annual geopolitical
conference, join in geopolitical debates,
work with a geopolitical podcast, or
undertake many other extra-curricular
activities
https://ips.fsv.cuni.cz/
How does geography influence power relationships in world
politics and competition?
Why can Americans afford to ignore geography, but the
Polish defence minister can not?
Why are certain locations such as the Suwalki gap, Strait of
Malacca, The Focșani Gate, Doklam Plateau, or the Darién
Gap essential in strategic geography?
How do geographic barriers isolate India from the rest of Eurasia?.
GEOPOLITICS 101
How does internal geography prevent an intra-
continental trade block forming in Africa and South
America?
Can the Republic of South Africa become
a bridge between Africa and Asia?
Why did Libya implode during the Arab
Spring, while Egypt held together?
"There will be more wars…The most important thing of forecasting is
the weaknesses of countries not their strengths".
George Friedman Founder of Geopolitical Futures
