F1GD 4545 - International Political Economy

***UPDATED for 2025/26***

The world economic order has been seriously disrupted in the last few years. In the next decade. countries will be confronted with intensified tensions: the new protectionist pressures, the demise of international institutions, the global reach of new digital technologies; the continuing rise of China and conflicts with the USA, the increasing difficulty to reconcile national preferences and values with the requirements of economic openness and integration; and, finally, financial and monetary tensions brought by the level of global debt and international currency competition.

The course will analyze and discuss those challenges both from a theoretical and policy perspectives. On each topic, economic analysis will be combined to real world decisions and institutional constraints to describe policy debates and options.

Learning Outcomes

1.ability to grasp major issues at the intersection of economics, finance, and international diplomacy

2.drafting of short memos for policymakers outlining possible options and strategies

3.understanding of the politics and values driving international economic and financials negotiations

4.good knowledge of the basics of international economics and finance

Professional Skills

Identifying issues, options and possible solutions in complex (and sometimes adversarial) international situations.

none

A detailed debriefing will take place after the midterm exam. In addition to the class, informal and optional tutorials will be given online to develop the most technical parts of the course. The Professor will make himself available for " office hours " physically and / or online.

Evaluation will be in the form of two take home papers, one midterm, one at the end of the course. Those papers may require reading (assigned). Each will count for 45% of the grade. 20% will be allocated to participation during the class.

The mid-term paper may be waived for those students who will accept to make a presentation or defend a motion during debates organized in class .

• In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 5 hours a week / 60 hours a semester