International Futures Strategic Forecasting Foundations — Social Systems Track

This is the Social Systems track of the International Futures Strategic Forecasting Foundations badge, the second credential level offered by the Frederick S. Pardee Institute for International Futures. 

You will begin with the shared Foundations core. Course 1 introduces the complete IFs analytical workflow: examining historical data, displaying a Current Path forecast, building an alternative scenario, and comparing results. Course 2 develops the conceptual foundation needed to interpret, explain, and apply IFs responsibly, including forecasting and foresight, systems thinking, model validation, and the appropriate uses and limits of models. 

In Course 4, you will apply these foundations to social systems, including economics, governance, political risk, and international relations. You will examine how IFs represents production, consumption, trade, government revenue, and expenditure; how the Pardee Governance Framework connects security, capacity, and inclusion to governance outcomes; and how IFs represents national power, international influence, and the risk of conflict. 

Learners who complete this track will be able to analyze and interpret the economic, governance, and geopolitical forces that can shape a country’s long-term trajectory and will be prepared to continue toward the Level 3 Professional Certificate. 

Estimated learning hours: 35-45 hours