An Introductory Course on International Political Economy
Course Description
Ever wondered why some countries are rich and others struggle with poverty? Or how decisions made in Washington or Beijing can impact your wallet? Welcome to the world of International Political Economy (IPE) – a fascinating field that unpacks the intricate dance between politics and economics on the global stage.
In this course, we will go beyond the headlines and soundbites. You will learn how political decisions shape what you pay for your morning coffee, why trade wars erupt, and the real impact of globalization on your life. We will explore the theories that experts use to understand this complex world, but we will keep it approachable and relevant.
Think of IPE as a detective story. We will investigate the institutions like the World Trade Organization and the International Monetary Fund, figuring out how they influence our lives. We will explore the rise of China and the lingering effects of the 2008 financial crisis, connecting these events to the broader economic landscape.
But this isn’t just about theory – it’s about understanding the world around us. By the end of this course, you will have a toolkit for deciphering global news, analyzing economic trends, and forming your own informed opinions about the forces that shape our lives.
