INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS
- Understand the interrelation among geopolitical scenarios, demographic dynamics, and technological innovation
- Provide classes focused on case studies to analyse these interrelated topics in different geographical contexts.

COURSE CONTENTS
First part: Basic concepts

1) From classical geopolitics to tech geopolitics
2) Why population matters
3) The evolution of technology

Second part: Actors and factors
4) Geography still matters in new technologies: energy, rare earth, and space
5) From the cloud to the concrete: A.I., G.I.S., and environmental engineering
6) Geopolitics and technological change: Great powers competition in the innovation era
7) Along came the non-state: big companies, tech NGOs, and cyber terrorists in the age of new technologies
8) Tech society dilemmas: digital economy, information age, and neurosciences

Third part: Geographical contexts
9) Youth bulge and high hopes: how new technologies are reshaping contemporary Africa
10) Pharaohs, sheikhs, and social media: the many technological transformations of the Middle East
11) Italy facing the Fifth Industrial Revolution

REFERENCE BOOKS
Given the nature of the course’s topics, no textbooks are available. Consequently, the course will be based mainly on:
- Journal Papers and Book Chapters;
- Official Reports;
- Statistical Datasheets.
As the topics covered by the course are in continuous evolution, and to ensure the most timely updating of the course materials, these will be made available in the imminence of its start. In any case, the teaching materials will respect the expected teaching load. These readings and lecture slides will be made available via LUISS Learn (course webpage).

TEACHING METHODS
- Classes with the support of audio-visuals;
- Lectures by external experts;
- Case studies with involvement of students.

ASSESSMENT METHOD
- Class attendance and active participation, 15% of the final grade;
- Written midterm test, 30% of the final grade, 3 open-ended questions;
- Written final test, 55% of the final grade, paper on a specific case study.

DOES THE SYLLABUS COVER SUSTAINABILITY TOPICS?
The syllabus covers sustainability topics.