This course offers a fascinating and in-depth intellectual journey into the heart of politics and governance in the modern era, integrating theory, history, and current affairs. Participants will explore the essence of politics and its vital role in human society, from defining the concept of "politics" to critically analyzing diverse governance systems worldwide. We will grapple with fundamental questions such as: Can a society exist without politics? This will be examined through historical and contemporary examples of attempts at apolitical social organization and their consequences.

The course will delve into understanding the concept of democracy, its ancient origins in Athens and Rome, and its evolution to the present day. We will conduct a comprehensive comparison between different models of democracy – direct, representative, and participatory – while examining their implementation in various countries, from Switzerland's consensual democracy to the American model. We will focus on core issues such as freedom of expression, separation of powers, and minority rights, while analyzing current events that challenge these principles.

Concurrently, we will explore alternative forms of government in depth, including monarchy, oligarchy, and autocracy, analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of each system. We will examine fascinating case studies from around the world, such as the Chinese model of "authoritarian capitalism" and Singapore's unique experience.

Throughout the course, participants will develop tools for critical thinking about political systems, learn to analyze power relations in society, and examine the impact of globalization and technology on shaping political systems in the digital age. We will deepen our understanding of the influence of global processes and technological changes on modern politics, including the impact of social networks on political discourse and the threats of populism.

The course will combine in-depth theoretical discussions with analysis of current events, encouraging participants to think creatively about the challenges facing democracy in the 21st century. At the conclusion of the course, participants will present projects, such as designing an innovative governance model incorporating advanced technologies or a comparative analysis of political systems in different countries. These projects will reflect their complex understanding of political dynamics and their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical issues of governance and society in the modern era.

* The course material will be tailored to the age of the learners.