The number of international composite indices is increasing rapidly, but education and training in this field are not keeping up. These indices are often used to fuel political debates without proper attention to their limitations or correct interpretations. To address this, the University of Geneva and ETH Zurich KOF are offering a course in global statistics. The course will cover the basic approach to building composite indices and discuss some of the problems that can arise. It will also delve into the technical characteristics, internal structure, primary data, and variable selection of these indices. Examples of well-known composite indices will be used to demonstrate these concepts. Additionally, the course will focus on distinguishing between media-, policy-, and paradigm-driven indicators. By providing a comprehensive understanding of international statistics, this course aims to equip individuals with the knowledge needed to effectively use and interpret composite indices.
