Course Description
This course aims to introduce students to one of the main areas of study within International Political Economy: international trade. This study is important not only because the practice of international trade is one of the oldest in the history of human civilization, but also because its impact touches various important aspects of human life. Various theories have been developed by IPE scholars to explain various phenomena related to international trade. Questions such as why countries trade with other countries, why countries implement protectionist or otherwise restrictive policies, what drives a country to liberalize its trade sector, how trade regimes are managed globally, and what strategies developing countries develop to maximize their international trade profits are questions that dominate the study of international trade within IPE.
In this course, students will learn the history of the birth and development of international trade regimes since the end of World War II, including explaining why the International Trade Organization (ITO) failed, the consequences of its failure for global trade management, and how the WTO was formed and the accompanying changes. In this lecture, students will also be introduced to important issues in global trade such as the emergence of regional economic integration, fair trade, trade wars, etc.
Expected Learning Outcome
- Explain the scope and various perspectives in explaining international trade.
- Analyze how the global trade regime is formed and the political processes surrounding it.
- Critique the political logic and context of various international trade relations and their key issues, including agriculture, services, intellectual property rights, etc.
- Analyze various contemporary issues in international trade, such as the emergence of regional economic integration, e-commerce, etc., and their implications for the global trade regime.
Syllabus
Read the full syllabus here.
