This course considers a number of approaches to the study of the global political economy (including Realism, liberalism, Marxism, constructivism, environmentalism, and feminism), before examining the evolution of the global political economy and its existing structures. The course analyses the global forces that have shaped the world economic system and looks at the interaction between international economic developments and domestic politics as well as the ways in which international institutions govern the global economy. In addition a number of issue areas such as globalization of trade, finance, and investment, the North-South dilemma, global development and inequality and sustainable development are examined.



Course Objectives

The primary objective of this course is to expand and deepen students’ knowledge and analytical understanding of the Global Political Economy (GPE) through the discussion of different theories and approaches. Another objective is to enhance students’ ability to apply these theories and approaches to various GPE issues (trade, finance, investment, development, and so on) critically and analytically. At the end of the course, the student will know how to handle, interpret and present qualitative data and quantitative data. Also, they will be able to apply practical transferrable skills, including note-taking, organisation, co-operation and team working, presentation and communication skills.

Course Outline

• The study and methods of Global Political Economy (GPE)
• Realist approaches to GPE
• Liberal approaches to GPE
• Marxist approaches to GPE
• Alternative approaches to GPE (constructivism, feminism, etc.)
• The evolution of the world economic system
• World system cycles, crises, and hegemonic shifts
• International instruments of global economic governance
• Domestic sources of economic policy and governance
• Globalization and responses to globalization
• Political Economy of Development and the North-South dilemma
• Environmental change, sustainability and global economy
• Future prospects for the GPE and concluding remarks