The world is facing a triple crisis (climate, covid and conflict) with spillover effects on food and energy prices, disruptions of global value chains, and major geopolitical shifts. Trade is at the heart of ongoing changes, both as a vector of crises and as a remedy. How could trade help us build back a better world and accelerate progress towards the SDGs? (e.g. green transition, digital divide, access to vaccines and health services) How will major trends affecting international trade shape the new global geopolitical order, and vice versa? (e.g. protectionism, access to essential materials, regional hegemonies, US-China) Building on 20 years of field work with the World Bank and trade negotiations within WTO, OECD, G20 and G7, this course should enable students to challenge most preconceived ideas about trade and development that flourish in the media and elsewhere. It is particularly suited to students willing to work in development cooperation or sustainable business/finance.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. Better understand and have a critical perspective on major international economic issues pertaining to sustainable development and trade;
2. Better communicate a government or company position on contentious issues (from presentation of in-depth research to elevator pitch);
3. Better understand reality and practicalities of work in the area of development cooperation (in international organizations, government, or private companies trading in developing countries) and be better prepared for starting a career in international development / CSR
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:
Research and analysis; critical thinking; oral communication; written communication; team work