Foundations of International Political Economy

This course in International Political Economy gives students a unique perspective and allows them to understand how the international economy influences, and is influenced by, political organizations and social concerns. This course is an ideal companion course for anyone studying international economics because it examines many of the same topics but in a slightly different light. Whereas international economics studies the global economy from a dollars and cents, profit and loss standpoint, international political economy takes a broader approach than international economics and looks at the social and political ramifications of the global economy. 

This course is not a competitor to international economics, but a compliment. It gives students an additional lens that can be used to examine the global economy.  By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Describe the major international financial institutions and the role they play in the global economy

• Identify the key organizations that regulate and promote international trade

• Examine "who wins" and "who looses" as a result of international trade

• Compare and contrast the Liberal, Mercantilist, Marxist, and Constructivist theories of international political economy

• Understand how political scientists measure global poverty and wealth inequality