Course Description

In today’s interconnected world, the greatest health challenges aren’t just pathological—they’re
political. Global health crises demanding cross-border collective action emerge not primarily from
microbes, but from failures of governance, geopolitical rivalry, and inequities in power and resources.
This course critically examines the complex ecosystem of problems, players, principles, and processes
shaping global health governance. Through lectures and class discussions, we’ll dissect governance gaps
in the current system and evaluate the roles of diverse actors, institutions, and mechanisms designed to
address global health challenges.

By course completion, you’ll be able to: identify major global health challenges map the complex
ecosystem of global health actors, from WHO to NGOs and private sectors examine the past, present,
and future of China’s role in global health governance diagnose critical governance failures in
current systems, such as viral sovereignty, regime complex, or weak accountability design innovative
interventions for improved health outcomes, grounded in evidence and feasibility and develop advanced
analytical and communication skills to advocate for effective global health policies. This course equips
future leaders to navigate and transform the political dimensions of global health, fostering solutions
for a more equitable and resilient world.