POLI 2320 Money and Power in International Politics

Abstract

Overview Money and power have been very consequential throughout the history of International Politics. In the media we often hear of a discussion concerning whether the economy trumps politics or politics trump the economy when it comes to the global affairs. But what is this conversation really about? Can international politics be separated from economic interests? And if not, what are the economic forces that influence international politics?¶ The course offers an approach to contemporary issues in global political affairs by first looking at the history and theory of international political economy, and then applying this foundational knowledge to an analysis of contemporary issues in international politics. The course seeks to provide essential knowledge of the main concepts in International Political Economy (globalization, global financial system, sovereign debt, economic development, trade) in order to equip students with the tools necessary to understand contemporary policy problems.¶ Course Goals The course seeks to create a foundational knowledge and develop critical thinking about the history of the relations between states and markets, theory of international political economy, as well as to provide understanding of the contemporary problems in the global economic policies and relations.