Learning plan cover

World history and geopolitics

LEARNING PLAN

World history and geopolitics

This learning plan equips you with the historical depth and geopolitical literacy to make sense of today's complex world. Perfect for professionals in policy, business, or journalism, as well as curious citizens who want to move beyond headlines to understand the deep forces shaping international relations, conflicts, and opportunities in our interconnected age.

ByCommunity User
1 h 58 m
12 coursesUpdated 4 days ago
SapiensThe Lessons of HistoryThe Complete History of Human Civilization12 sources

How This Learning Plan Was Made

This plan was crafted by BeFreed’s proprietary AI to help you learn World history and geopolitics with ease. It is curated from in-depth research on the topic and structured around the most effective learning journeys proven by BeFreed users.

Each episode delivers bite-sized, high-impact lessons distilled from world-class sources — bestselling books, research papers, and expert insights. Together, they form a sophisticated yet accessible path to mastering World history and geopolitics.

What You'll Learn

  • Trace humanity's journey from ancient civilizations to modern societies, identifying recurring patterns that explain how cultures rise, adapt, and fall
  • Analyze how geography—terrain, resources, and borders—fundamentally constrains and drives national strategies, alliances, and conflicts
  • Understand the pivotal 20th century conflicts that demolished old empires and established today's institutions, alliances, and international norms
  • Navigate current geopolitical flashpoints including great power competition, regional conflicts, and emerging threats like climate change
  • Develop a strategic framework for interpreting global events by connecting historical precedents with geographic realities and contemporary power shifts

Understand the grand sweep of human history from our origins to the modern world, discovering patterns and lessons that shaped civilizations across millennia.

Sapiens cover
Sapiens

A sweeping narrative of human history

9 m
The Lessons of History cover
The Lessons of History

A concise exploration of human history's patterns and lessons, distilling wisdom from millennia of civilization's triumphs and failures.

10 m
podcast cover
The Silk RoadsSapiensThe Lessons of HistoryWorld History Timeline: Key Eras & Civilizations - MindMap AI
6 sources
The Complete History of Human Civilization

Journey through world history from the cognitive revolution to modern times, exploring how trade routes, shared beliefs, and grand transitions shaped our interconnected world. Discover why Asia was civilization's true center and what patterns from the past reveal about our future.

9 m

Learn how physical geography—mountains, rivers, coastlines—shapes global politics, conflicts, and power dynamics in ways that remain timeless despite technological progress.

Prisoners of Geography cover
Prisoners of Geography

Insightful exploration of how geography shapes global politics, revealing hidden forces behind international conflicts and power dynamics.

9 m
The Revenge of Geography cover
The Revenge of Geography

A thought-provoking exploration of how geography shapes global conflicts, challenging the notion that globalization trumps physical realities.

10 m
podcast cover
source 1source 2source 3source 4
6 sources
Geography Still Rules the World

Discover how mountains, rivers, and coastlines shape global politics more than you think. From Russia's paranoia to America's advantages, learn why physical geography remains the hidden force behind today's headlines.

9 m

Examine the pivotal conflicts of the 20th century and understand how the world wars and their aftermath created the international order we inhabit today.

The Second World War cover
The Second World War

History's greatest conflict through the eyes of its greatest defender.

8 m
The Sleepwalkers cover
The Sleepwalkers

A gripping account of Europe's descent into World War I, unraveling complex events and relationships behind the conflict.

9 m
podcast cover
World War II | Facts, Summary, History, Dates, Combatants, & CausesSecond World War - causes, major events, and its global impactsource 3What Were the Consequences of WWII?
6 sources
WWII: The War That Remade Everything

Explore how World War II transformed our world in just six years - from cavalry charges to atomic bombs, reshaping technology, politics, and civilization itself through the deadliest conflict in human history.

15 m

Navigate today's complex geopolitical landscape and emerging power dynamics, from US-China rivalry to climate-driven conflicts, to understand where the world is heading next.

World Order cover
World Order

Kissinger's masterful analysis of global power dynamics, exploring historical concepts of order and their modern implications.

10 m
Destined for War cover
Destined for War

Explores the looming conflict between the US and China through the lens of historical power transitions.

11 m
podcast cover
source 1source 2source 3source 4
6 sources
Open Source Intelligence Reshapes Global Power

Explore how democratized intelligence gathering is transforming geopolitics, from tracking troop movements on social media to China's digital Silk Roads. Discover why geography still matters in our interconnected world.

9 m

Users also liked

Study geopolitics and world history

Study geopolitics and world history

LEARNING PLAN

Study geopolitics and world history

Understanding geopolitics provides critical context for interpreting global events, conflicts, and international relations in today's interconnected world. This learning plan benefits professionals in international business, diplomacy, journalism, and anyone seeking to comprehend the forces shaping our global future.

2 h 31 m4 Sections
History, Philosophy & Global Relations

History, Philosophy & Global Relations

LEARNING PLAN

History, Philosophy & Global Relations

This learning plan is essential for anyone seeking to understand the forces shaping our world—from policy analysts and diplomats to informed citizens wanting deeper insight into global affairs. It provides the intellectual foundation and analytical frameworks needed to move beyond headlines and develop sophisticated perspectives on international relations, political systems, and strategic challenges.

1 h 55 m4 Sections
History

History

LEARNING PLAN

History

This learning plan provides essential context for understanding our modern world by revealing how historical forces shaped contemporary society, politics, and culture. It's ideal for anyone seeking to become a more informed citizen, professionals working in policy or international relations, students preparing for advanced studies, or curious minds who want to grasp why the world works the way it does today. By mastering historical thinking, you'll gain analytical skills applicable far beyond history itself—critical reasoning, source evaluation, and pattern recognition that enhance decision-making in any field.

2 h 15 m4 Sections
Learn about the world

Learn about the world

LEARNING PLAN

Learn about the world

This learning plan provides essential knowledge for anyone seeking to understand our complex, interconnected world and make sense of global events. It's ideal for professionals working in international fields, students preparing for careers in diplomacy or policy, and curious minds who want to move beyond headlines to grasp the deeper forces shaping humanity's past, present, and future.

1 h 49 m4 Sections
Historical knowledge

Historical knowledge

LEARNING PLAN

Historical knowledge

This learning plan provides essential context for understanding our present world by revealing the deep historical roots of current conflicts, institutions, and cultural dynamics. It's ideal for students, professionals in policy or international relations, educators, or any curious mind seeking to move beyond memorizing dates to truly comprehending the forces that drive human societies. By developing both breadth of knowledge and analytical depth, learners gain a sophisticated framework for interpreting events and making informed decisions in an increasingly complex world.

2 h 46 m4 Sections
Understand history better

Understand history better

LEARNING PLAN

Understand history better

This learning plan is essential for anyone seeking to understand the forces that shaped our modern world and make sense of current events through historical context. It's ideal for lifelong learners, professionals in policy or leadership roles, educators, and anyone who wants to think more critically about the narratives we're told about the past and present.

2 h 16 m4 Sections

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 200,000+ Curious Minds

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

See More Stories?

How people are talking about BeFreed across the web
Start your learning journey, now