Globalization Under Fire: Weaponized Interdependence, Industrial Policy, and Supply Chain Transformation

Course Description

As the world enters a new era of economic fragmentation, driven by intensifying geopolitical rivalries and national security concerns, global interdependence is being fundamentally reshaped. This intensive program is designed for leaders, decision-makers and analysts who need a comprehensive understanding of the profound, ongoing transformation of the global economic landscape.

This course details and analyzes the escalating strategic competition between the United States and China, and the complex power dynamics that are unraveling decades of economic integration and now driving economic decoupling.

Participants will gain a deep understanding of key analytical concepts, such as weaponized interdependence and the re-emergence of industrial policy, as countries reassess their global economic strategies. The course also emphasizes practical, actionable insights, to equip participants with the tools to navigate this transformed world of economic uncertainties, rapidly evolving global power structures, and newly emerging geopolitical and economic risks.

Throughout the course, leaders will be challenged to apply their analysis and insights to develop and implement strategies that balance competitiveness, security, and collaboration in this new global economic reality. By the end of the program, participants will possess the knowledge and capabilities to lead confidently in a time of accelerating geopolitical and economic change.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the key concepts of economic decoupling and weaponized interdependence and their implications for global economic relations and international commerce.
• Analyze the evolving role of government in shaping economic development and competitiveness, with a particular focus on the resurgence of industrial policy.
• Assess strategies for mitigating supply chain risks in critical industries (e.g., semiconductors, EVs, and renewable energy technologies), balancing national security concerns with economic interdependence.
• Develop strategies for navigating and managing government intervention in the global economy amidst the current trend of deglobalization.

Visit the New Executive Education Programs page for additional information.

This course does not convey academic credit and is not included on a JHU Academic Transcript. This course is intended for personal and professional skills enrichment. Any certificate earned for the successful completion of this course is intended for proof of completion only.

Location, Date and Time

• Format: In-Person
• Location: Hopkins Bloomberg Center, 555 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC
• Date: Monday, August 11 – Thursday, August 14, 2025
• Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (ET)

Enrollment closes Friday, July 25 at 11:55 PM.

Program Schedule

DAY 1 | Understanding the Shifting Global Economic Landscape

• Introduction to Global Economic Transformation
• The U.S.-China Competition
• Economic Decoupling: Concepts and Implications
• Case Study

Day 2 | Weaponized Interdependence and Industrial Policy Resurgence

• Weaponizing Interdependence
• Industrial Policy in the 21st Century
• Global Tech Competition and National Security
• Interactive Exercise

DAY 3 | Regional Economic Realignments and New Global Power Structures

• Regional Economic Blocs and Trade Agreements
• Shifting Supply Chains in a Fragmented World
• The Impact on Emerging Markets
• Case Study: The EU's Strategic Relationship with China

DAY 4 | Leading in the New Global Economic Order

• Leadership in an Era of Economic Uncertainty
• Managing Economic Risks and Seizing New Opportunities
• Building Resilient Strategies for Global Competition
• Case Study
• Program Completion

Visit the Executive Education Programs page for additional program and course details.

Course Policies

JHU ALUMNI ENROLLMENT

JHU Alumni are eligible for a 50% registration discount for SAIS executive education courses. If you are a JHU alum, please contact ExecEdSAIS@jh.edu* prior to enrollment for verification and to receive your unique promo code. NOTE: Non-SAIS alumni may be waitlisted if a course exceeds the registration cap. 

Upon receipt, you will return to the course registration page to enter your promo code and complete the registration process.

Please do not use your JHU Alumni email to register for courses (this email account will not work with the registration platform). We recommend you register using a non-JHU email such as Gmail or Outlook. 

LEARNING PREREQUISITES

None

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

Hardware: laptop computer; webcam; microphone and speakers or headset. Software: current web browser; Canvas; Zoom web conferencing; Microsoft Office or similar; Email; course specific software

COURSE LIFECYCLE

After registering you will receive an email confirming your registration. You will be given access to a Canvas course that includes complete course information. You will have access to the Canvas course for the duration of the course.

PARTICIPANT CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

In the event a participant can no longer attend a program, a withdrawal request must be emailed to ExecEdSAIS@jhu.edu*. A full refund will be provided if the request is submitted at least 21 days prior to the program start. Withdrawal requests submitted outside of this deadline will not be eligible for a refund and are therefore obligated to pay the full program tuition.

COURSE CANCELLATION POLICY

Program dates, fees, and faculty may be subject to change. If a course must be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, SAIS Executive Education will refund the full program tuition. However, SAIS is not liable for travel, accommodation, or any other expenses incurred by the participant. Changes to the program or schedule will be communicated via email, and alternative program dates will be provided once available.

ACCESSIBILITY

JHU SAIS is committed to providing all participants with the opportunity to pursue excellence in their academic endeavors. This includes providing disability related accommodations and services in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and our goal of delivering accessible, inclusive experiences. If you require accommodations to complete this course, please reach out to EDT@jhu.edu*.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Direct all technical support requests to the SAIS Educational Design and Technology office email: EDT@jhu.edu*. We will respond to requests within 24-48 hours. Requests received on weekends, overnights and holidays will be responded to on the next business day.

ACCREDITATION

JHU is not approved by Middle States for direct assessment credentials for academic credit. This course results in a certificate of completion. It will not show on any JHU transcripts and does not count toward an academic record.

 

*Do not share any personal identifiable information (PII) such as social security number or grades in any messages to EDT@jhu.edu or ExecEdSAIS@jh.edu.