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Objectives

Center for Global Politics: Mission Statement

The Center for Global Politics offers a European intellectual response to challenges and opportunities caused by globalization.

The complex processes of globalization have substantial effects on every citizen. The same applies to impacts on educational systems. Teaching requirements are changing significantly and performances vary widely. This makes it increasingly difficult for a young professional to identify those programs best suited for his or her current and future needs.

The little regulated global environment and its effects on educational systems and labor markets are immediate. Therefore, traditional organizations offering degrees and training are under pressure to adapt. New agencies are multiplying; not all of them being solid and reliable.

The CGP makes a difference: the Center and its programs are part of the Freie Universität Berlin (FUB), a first-rate German University of Excellence. The CGP master programs East European Studies Online and International Relations Online address young professionals and have a global outreach, due to their blended learning formats. The summer schools in key regions like China, Syria and Turkey cover current questions of global politics and bring excellent students together. The Center offers up-to-date teaching tools and e-learning technologies including audio and video streams. The programs are embedded in flexible networks sustainable beyond graduation.

There are seven fields where the CGP programs make a difference.

1. The world is becoming an ever more complex place. Opportunities, but also uncertainties multiply. The CGP programs provide context and orientation, without false promises and a misleading mission.
   
2. There are new cycles of training and work, often emerging simultaneously. Learning is a life long process. The CGP offers fine-tuned solutions in three program lines: blended learning master and certificate programs, summer schools, and customized professional training.
   
3. Knowledge related skills remain relevant. At the same time, soft skills are in demand today. Training for both skill-sets is built into the CGP programs. Progressive and cutting-edge technologies enhance social interaction.
   
4. Post-modern networks are flexible, fluid, and shifting. Each geographical and functional shift of individual members puts those old contacts at risk. CGP sees one of its prime responsibilities as the establishment and maintenance of flexible, resilient student and alumni networks.
   
5. Labor markets are changing and the supply and demand of human capital do not synchronize easily. The CGP programs help professionals to become more competitive by offering our network of public, social, and corporate partners.
   
6. In the 21st century, we do not have established and credible big, mobilizing narratives anymore. Still, some orientations are useful. The CGP does not advocate political, religious or cultural visions. But we do have a few basic value orientations that are reflected in our programs: institutions matter and can work, as the EU example demonstrates. And, secularism is a basic principle of organizing post-modern societies. These principles are reflected in our programs, because they are part of the European higher education system.
   
7. The CGP programs are competitive and complementary to undergraduate and other post-graduate programs. We offer a competitive selection procedure,,excellent degrees, guaranteed ECTS modularity professional evaluation, and dedicated tutoring.  

Freie Universität Berlin provides degree and non-degree certificates for the CGP students. FUB is one of the leading and excellent universities in Germany, in Europe, and beyond. The FUB’s reputation is that of an international network university. The CGP programs contribute to FUB’s reputation while obtaining their distinct identity.

Klaus Segbers
October 2008