Oxford Launches its First Executive Education Programme in Geopolitical Risk
The Department successfully launched its first ever Executive Education programme, Geopolitical Risk, held from 27–29 November 2025 at the historic Rhodes House. Designed for senior leaders navigating an increasingly uncertain global landscape, the three-day programme brought together world-class scholars, practitioners, and participants from across sectors.
The opening evening featured a formal dinner attended by Lord Hague, Chancellor of the University of Oxford, who delivered an insightful keynote speech on the shifting dynamics of global power and the growing importance of strategic foresight.
Academic Excellence at the Core
Day Two offered a full programme of seminars led by some of Oxford’s most renowned political scientists, each exploring a critical dimension of geopolitical risk:
- Professor Desmond King – The Uncertainty of US Politics
- Professor Jane Green – The State of British Politics
- Professor Federica Genovese – The Political Risks of Climate Change
- Professor Todd Hall – Political Risk in China
- Professor Neil Ketchley – Political Risk in the Middle East and North Africa
Participants engaged in in-depth discussions spanning electoral volatility, climate-related geopolitical pressures, and evolving regional risk profiles.
From Insight to Implementation
The final day, Saturday 29 November, focused on implementation—helping participants translate geopolitical insights into organisational strategy. The session was led by Neil Unsworth, Head of Resilience at the University of Oxford, who guided attendees through practical frameworks for managing risk exposure, informing policy development, and strengthening strategic agility.
Participant Feedback
Early feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive:
“An intense, in-depth course on geopolitical risks featuring outstanding presentations from renowned thought leaders in their fields of expertise. Quite superb. A must for any Chief Risk Officer.”
“You get access to top minds covering regional and thematic geopolitical issues. An unparalleled opportunity to learn from world-class experts—and William Hague, former Foreign Secretary—while also networking and learning from peers.”
Next Programme Announced
Expressions of interest are now open for the next iteration of the programme, taking place 16–18 July 2026.
Complete the expression of interest form.
