Bachelor 2020/2021

International Political Economy

Type: Compulsory course (HSE University and University of London Parallel Degree Programme in International Relations)

Area of studies: International Relations

Delivered by: Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs

Where: Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs

When: 3 year, 3, 4 module

Mode of studies: offline

Instructors: Maxim Bratersky

Language: English

ECTS credits: 7

Contact hours: 108

Course Syllabus

Abstract

This subject is concerned with the interface between international economics and international politics. When researching international affairs, economists usually focus on the international economy, while international relations scholars tend to concentrate on matters political. In recent decades, however, a new focus has arisen in both these disciplines– and among their practitioners – on the many ways in which politics and economics are interlinked. Indeed, the study of international political economy is predicated on the assumption that in order to understand patterns of interaction and change at the global level, we need to look at both international politics and economics in an integrated manner. This subject introduces international political economy. To be sure, the emphasis is on the politics of international economic relations. You can expect to deal with economic issues of trade, finance, production, environment and development, but not from the perspective of economic theory. Instead, you will engage with the International Relations concepts, ideas and literatures on the economic relations among states, and between states and non-state actors (such as firms, societal groups and international organisations). The focus will therefore be on the political problems that arise as a consequence of the increasing density of international economic relations. Knowledge of economics is an advantage but no requirement.

Learning Objectives

• At the end of this course, and having completed the Essential reading and activities, you should be able to: • demonstrate an understanding of the processes of global integration and fragmentation in international politics and economics • show what the sources are of continuity and change in international political economy • demonstrate an appreciation of the history of thought in international political economy • distinguish between, and critically evaluate, different theoretical approaches to international political economy • explain the different roles of states, international organisations and non- state actors in the politics of international economic relations • show an understanding of the economic challenges facing states in their foreign policy.

Expected Learning Outcomes

• demonstrate an understanding of the processes of global integration and fragmentation in international politics and economics
• show what the sources are of continuity and change in the international political economy
• demonstrate an appreciation of the history of thought in international political economy
• distinguish between, and critically evaluate, different theoretical approaches to international political economy
• explain the different roles of states, international organizations and non- state actors in the politics of international economic relations
• show an understanding of the economic challenges facing states in their foreign policy

Course Contents

• Globalization in international political economy
• Mercantilism and economic nationalism
• Classical liberalism and neo-liberalism
• Imperialism, dependency and neo-Marxism
• The international trade system
• The global financial and monetary order
• Economic development
• Multinational corporation
• Environmental protection
• Regionalism in a global economy
• Conclusion: the political economy of international relations
• Theories of international political economy. Wrap up
• Structures, issues and actors. Wrap up
• Exam preparations session

Assessment Elements

• MOCK Exam 1 module
• MOCK exam 2 module
• seminars 1 module
• seminars 2 module
• UoL Final Exam
  The final examination is organised by the University of London as a three hour written exam. The student will be given a choice of ten questions, out of which exactly three must be answered in any order. Each question must be answered in the form of a free response essay.

Interim Assessment

• Interim assessment (4 module)
  (1stModule seminars*0.15) + (2ndModule seminars*0.15) + (1stModule MOCK exam*0.15) + (2ndModule MOCK exam*0.15) + UoL Final Exam*0.4

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

• The Emergence of the Global Political Economy. William Thompson and Jeremy Black
• Thompson, John. Europe's Crises, edited by Manuel Castells, et al., Polity Press, 2018. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/hselibrary-ebooks/detail.action?docID=5188194.

Recommended Additional Bibliography

• Frieden, J. A., & Lake, D. A. (2000). International Political Economy : Perspectives on Global Power and Wealth (Vol. 4th ed). London: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=83119