An Introductory Course on International Political Economy .
Course Description
Ever wondered why some countries are rich and others struggle with poverty? Or how decisions made in Washington or Beijing can impact your wallet? Welcome to the world of International Political Economy (IPE) – a fascinating field that unpacks the intricate dance between politics and economics on the global stage.
In this course, we will go beyond the headlines and soundbites. You will learn how political decisions shape what you pay for your morning coffee, why trade wars erupt, and the real impact of globalization on your life. We will explore the theories that experts use to understand this complex world, but we will keep it approachable and relevant.
Think of IPE as a detective story. We will investigate the institutions like the World Trade Organization and the International Monetary Fund, figuring out how they influence our lives. We will explore the rise of China and the lingering effects of the 2008 financial crisis, connecting these events to the broader economic landscape.
But this isn’t just about theory – it’s about understanding the world around us. By the end of this course, you will have a toolkit for deciphering global news, analyzing economic trends, and forming your own informed opinions about the forces that shape our lives.
What Will You Learn?
- Fundamentals of IPE: You will get a firm grasp on the key ideas and theories that experts use to understand how politics and economics interact on the global stage.
- Trade and Finance: We will demystify international trade, financial markets, and the roles of powerful institutions like the WTO and the IMF.
- Development and Globalization: You will gain insights into the complex world of international development, the challenges of globalization, and its impact on different countries.
- Current Challenges: We will tackle the big issues of our time, from the rise of China to the ongoing financial crisis, and even the economic consequences of climate change.
- Critical Thinking: This course will sharpen your ability to analyze complex global issues, form your own opinions, and confidently join discussions about the global economy.
Course Curriculum
Module 1: Introduction to International Political Economy
- Lecture 1: What is IPE? Key concepts and approaches.
- Lecture 2: Historical evolution of the global economy.
- Lecture 3: Major theoretical perspectives: Realism, Liberalism, Marxism.
Module 2: Trade and Finance
- Lecture 4: Theories of international trade: Comparative advantage, Heckscher-Ohlin.
- Lecture 5: Political economy of trade policy: Protectionism vs. free trade.
- Lecture 6: WTO and its role in global trade governance.
- Lecture 7: International monetary system: Exchange rates, balance of payments.
- Lecture 8: Financial crises and their political-economic implications.
Module 3: Development and Globalization
- Lecture 9: Theories of development: Modernization, dependency.
- Lecture 10: Role of international institutions: World Bank, IMF.
- Lecture 11: Challenges of global inequality and poverty.
- Lecture 12: Globalization: Drivers, dimensions, and consequences.
- Lecture 13: Impact of multinational corporations (MNCs).
- Lecture 14: Backlash against globalization: Populism and nationalism.
Module 4: Current Challenges in IPE
- Lecture 15: Rise of China and its impact on global economic order.
- Lecture 16: Global financial crisis and its aftermath.
- Lecture 17: Economic consequences of climate change.
- Lecture 18: Future of globalization and global governance.
