The Richelieu Institute of History and Geopolitics
Starting in September 2026, UCLy is launching a new institute dedicated to analysing today's world: the Richelieu Institute of History and Geopolitics. Designed for students interested in international relations, historical dynamics and strategic issues, the Institute offers several University Diplomas (D.U.), available to students from the first year of undergraduate study (L1) through to Master's level (M2).
A new hub for the study of History and Geopolitics
With the launch of the Richelieu Institute, UCLy is taking a new step forward in the development of its programmes in the humanities.
Part of UCLy's Faculty of Literature and Civilisations, the Richelieu Institute brings together teaching, research and public debate on the major historical and geopolitical issues shaping today's world. Its ambition is to provide students with the analytical tools they need to understand historical developments, geopolitical rivalries and the profound transformations affecting contemporary societies.
In a world marked by geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts, strategic rivalries and major economic and environmental transitions, understanding today's challenges requires both historical perspective and geopolitical insight. This is the ambition of the Richelieu Institute.
Why combine History and Geopolitics?
Understanding today's world requires both historical perspective and geopolitical analysis. History helps us understand how territories have been shaped, how cultures have evolved and how political systems have developed over time. Geopolitics, in turn, analyses the relationships of power between actors and territories at local, regional and global levels.
In other words, History provides the context and depth required for geopolitical analysis, while Geopolitics connects historical events with today's strategic challenges. This interdisciplinary approach is what makes the Richelieu Institute and its programmes distinctive.
The Institute offers students interested in international relations the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and develop recognised expertise in these fields.
Programmes in history and geopolitics from Undergraduate to Master's Level
The Richelieu Institute offers several University Diplomas (D.U.) designed to complement undergraduate and master's degree programmes. These courses are open to students from the first year of undergraduate study (L1) to Master's level (M2), whether they are enrolled at UCLy or at another higher education institution.
Each University Diploma comprises 120 hours of teaching spread over two semesters and can be taken alongside a bachelor's or master's degree.
These programmes enable students to develop recognised expertise in geopolitics while strengthening their analytical, methodological and academic writing skills, notably through the completion of an individual research dissertation.
Understanding the tensions and risks shaping today's world
The University Diploma in "History and Geopolitics of Contemporary Crises and Conflicts" offers an in-depth exploration of international conflicts, geopolitical rivalries and today's major strategic challenges.
Students examine the historical, political and territorial dynamics that shape contemporary crises and influence international relations.
The programme covers topics including:
- Methods of geopolitical and geohistorical analysis;
- Contemporary crises and conflicts;
- Strategic issues related to resources, global flows and economic dependencies;
- Influence, soft power and the strategies of state and non-state actors.
Throughout the programme, students receive methodological guidance to produce an individual research dissertation, enabling them to develop a rigorous approach to geopolitical analysis.
This University Diploma provides valuable specialisation for students interested in international relations, risk analysis and contemporary strategic affairs.
The programme will welcome its first cohort of students in September 2026.
Exploring the Geopolitics of Central and Eastern Europe
A second University Diploma, in "History and Geopolitics of Central and Eastern Europe", focuses on a region that has become increasingly central to international affairs.
Offered every two years, this programme provides an in-depth exploration of the historical, cultural, religious and geopolitical dynamics that have shaped – and continue to shape – this part of Europe.
Students gain a deeper understanding of the historical legacies, political identities and strategic issues that define one of the continent's most significant geopolitical regions today.
The programme is jointly delivered by the Richelieu Institute and UCLy's Faculty of Theology. It alternates with the University Diploma in the History and Geopolitics of the Mediterranean World and will welcome its first cohort of students in September 2026.
Exploring the History and Geopolitics of the Mediterranean World
The Richelieu Institute also offers a University Diploma in "History and Geopolitics of the Mediterranean World", dedicated to the study of the historical and strategic dynamics that have shaped the Mediterranean region—a crossroads of cultures, religions and political traditions.
This specialised programme enables students to develop an in-depth understanding of a region and the strategic issues that continue to play a central role in global geopolitics.
The programme is also jointly delivered by the Richelieu Institute and UCLy's Faculty of Theology. It will be offered every two years, with its first intake scheduled for September 2027.
An opportunity for current and future students
The launch of the Richelieu Institute reflects UCLy's commitment to strengthening its academic offering in History and Geopolitics.
Whether they are already enrolled in an undergraduate or master's programme or preparing to enter higher education, students can use the Richelieu Institute's University Diplomas to enhance their academic profile and develop recognised expertise in geopolitics.
These programmes also provide an excellent foundation for careers in:
- Diplomacy
- International journalism
- Research
- International organisations
- Strategic analysis
- Public institutions
- Risk consulting
- …and many other fields requiring a strong understanding of international affairs and geopolitical issues.