-To know the most important geopolitical and geostrategic elements and themes affecting Sub-Saharan Africa. -To interrelate and understand synoptically the different geopolitical and geostrategic elements and phenomena specific to Sub-Saharan Africa. -To locate and relate geopolitical and geostrategic regional dynamics of Sub-Saharan Africa with the global geopolitical structure. -To link theoretical analysis to the historical processes, socio-economic structures, and geopolitical challenges prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa. -To understand, use and rigorously apply the main theoretical frameworks formulated recently to explain the structure and functioning of regional geopolitics in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa. -To analyze the economic power of major countries along with alliances, initiatives and ongoing rivalries at the regional level. -To understand and analyze the major conflicts, risks and threats in Sub-Saharan Africa related to international security. -To understand and analyze the geo-economic and political consequences of globalization and regionalization in Sub-Saharan Africa and their geostrategic implications.

This course will approach the analysis of the region under study attending at least the following aspects: -Delimitation and geopolitical characterization of the region. - Geographic imaginaries (how the region is perceived and represented externally, and vice versa) and their geopolitical dimensions and consequences. -The legacy of the past: territorial history and process of configuration of the current political map. - Political systems and models of territorial organization. -Geographic setting and natural, demographic, economic and cultural resources. Strengths and weaknesses. - Ethnic, linguistic and religious diversity. -Development and socio-economic and territorial inequalities. -Structuring of the territory: transport networks and system of cities. - Main geopolitical challenges, threats and conflicts. - Main regional blocks and powers. Study of cases. -External relations and relevance of the region in world geopolitics. - When appropriate, relations of the region with Spain.