Geoconomics
EXECUTIVE CERTIFICATE COURSE
GEOECONOMICS
13-17 April 2026
GIGS_Geoeconomics_Course Brochure
WHY STUDY GEOECONOMICS?
Currency wars, economic warfare, supply chain reorganization, trade wars, influence strategies, weaponized interdependence, securing access to critical minerals and natural resources, cognitive warfare and the global power shift increasingly shape contemporary power rivalries. Classical economic theories no longer capture the full scope of international economic relations, where decisions are often driven by strategic logic inspired by Sun Tzu and Machiavelli and significantly influenced by non-market factors.
The use of economic and financial tools for strategic purposes underscores the close link between geoeconomics and geostrategy. States can adopt geoeconomic strategies that simultaneously advance geopolitical, diplomatic, political, and economic interests. Accordingly, a strategic reorientation of the state’s role in economic policy is increasingly necessary.
The effective deployment of geoeconomic strategies will be decisive not only for states’ power positions in the twenty-first century, but also for the ability of private corporations to navigate an increasingly complex international environment.
Geoeconomic analysis integrates non-market factors, strategic foresight, and cultural, historical, and geopolitical factors to address the complexity of international relations amid a global power transition.
OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of this study program is to introduce the core components of geoeconomic analysis and economic intelligence. The course adopts an interdisciplinary approach, integrating economic, financial, geographic, demographic, historical, cultural, and political factors to examine the geoeconomic dimensions of contemporary international relations.
The program analyzes the evolving strategic role of the nation-state amid global power shifts and intensifying economic competition. It explores economic intelligence strategies and various approaches to developing geoeconomic capabilities. The module also includes a simulated economic warfare exercise based on a real-world case study, as well as a strategic foresight exercise.
Upon completion of the program, participants are expected to demonstrate the ability to synthesize the multiple parameters involved in geoeconomic analysis, identify strategic frameworks employed by states and private corporations to strengthen their positions in international economic relations, and incorporate geoeconomic factors and foresight into decision-making processes.
LECTURES
Introduction to Geoeconomics
Strategic State and Geoeconomic Disposition
Economic Power Rivalries and Economic Warfare: Historical Perspectives
Natural Resources and Geoeconomics
Economic Intelligence
Cognitive Warfare and Goeconomic Rivalries
Belt and Road Initiative in an Evolving Geoeconomic Context
India: Geoeconomic Pivot of the 21st Century
Strategic Foresight and Geoeconomic Scenario Building
Geofinance-Financial Warfare / The International Monetary System in Transition
EXERCISE / WORKSHOP
Strategic Foresight and Geoeconomic Scenario Building Exercice
Geoeconomic Warfare Exercise: Analysis, and Strategic Choices
PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Develop the ability to apply geoeconomic analysis in different case study situations;
- Develop the ability to apply economic intelligence strategies;
- Integrate geoeconomic factors and strategic foresight in decision-making processes;
- Construct geoeconomic scenarios;
- Participate actively in an interactive and non-conformist course;
- Develop your professional networks and exchange views with course participants having different national, cultural and professional backgrounds.
TARGET GROUP OF PARTICIPANTS
Individuals working for International Organizations and government agencies, diplomats, people working in various economic sectors, graduate students and other interested individuals.
Dates: Program starts on Monday 13 April and ends on Friday 17 April 2026
Schedule: Conferences take place between 9AM-12 PM & 1:30-4:30 PM in Geneva.
Tuition fee: 2000 CHF / Students 1300 CHF
Tuition fee does not cover travel, accommodation, meals and health insurance.
GIGS does not offer financial aid to attend its seminars.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor degree obtained and English language proficiency.
A Certificate in Geoeconomics can be obtained upon completion of the course.
Application deadline: 10 March 2026
LECTURERS
Mr. Gyula CSURGAI obtained his Doctorate from the University of Geneva. His doctorate research focused on the development of the geopolitical analysis method and its application in different case study situations. Ho holds as well Degrees in Political Science from the University of Concordia (Canada) and the University of Toulouse (France). Dr. Csurgai earned Postgraduate Degrees in European Studies from the European Institute at University of Geneva and from the department of Philosophy from the same university. Dr. Csurgai has taught geopolitics, geoeconomics, strategy, international relations and diplomacy for undergraduate, masters, and doctorate programs at different universities in Switzerland and in other countries. He has participated in several international research projects and has provided expertise to a number of international organizations, governments and private corporations. Dr. Csurgai is co-founder of the Geneva Institute of Geopolitical Studies. He published several books and articles in the fields of geopolitics, geoeconomics, economic intelligence, and international relations.
.
Mr. Alexandre LAMBERT, holds a Ph.D. in International Relations from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva. He graduated from the University of Zurich in History and Philosophy, Dr. Lambert has been lead researcher on the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) at the Graduate Institute in Geneva, project officer at the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF). He also provides independent policy advice to the OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation (FSC), including in the context of its regional operations in the Western Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia. Dr. Lambert has published books and articles in the field of international politics, history, geopolitics, geoeconomics, and international security. Currently his research mainly focuses on the geopolitics and geoeconomics of Eurasia and the Belt and Road Initiative. Dr. Lambert has been teaching International Security, Foreign Policy, Geopolitics and Geoeconomics at different Universities in Switzerland and in other countries for several years.
