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Richard Thomas Griffiths

This course is part of the SDG initiative addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically for the following SDGs [1, 8, 10 and 16]. We hope you will join in our efforts to reach the SDG’s in small but measurable and actionable ways, cooperating with Development Done Differently. Expand your impact. You can create a better world.

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This course is part of the SDG initiative addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically for the following SDGs [1, 8, 10 and 16]. We hope you will join in our efforts to reach the SDG’s in small but measurable and actionable ways, cooperating with Development Done Differently. Expand your impact. You can create a better world.

In today’s world, politics and economics are interconnected, but what is the nature of this connectivity? What are the power relationships that shape the world economy today and create new challenges for international institutions facing globalization? What makes some countries wealthier than others? Do we face cultural diversity or fragmentation? Does the type of governance effect economic development and social change or is it the other way around? How do we measure it and how trustworthy is the data? These issues and many more will be examined in this course along with a wide library of sources and a biting criticism.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction into this course
Welcome to this course! Here we present the instructor and his team, what we will do in the upcoming modules, and what is exactly Political Economy. You play an important role in this module. We would also like to hear who you are and what are your expectations from this course. Don't forget to read before that our academic standards and tips and tricks that will help you succeed in this course. Good luck!
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Data used in Political Economy
Basic Data. Reviews the basic data of population, output and development used to make international comparisons between countries.
Trust
Trust. Argues for the centrality of trust in explanations of differences in wealth and poverty between nations but highlights difficulties in measuring it and in explaining the direct of causality.
Society and Fragmentation
Inequality and Fragmentation. Examines how society can be fragmented along lines of religion, language, ethnicity and income
Governance
Governance. Argues that good governance provides a transparent and stable environment for risk assessment and decision-making and contributes to welfare and growth. The question is how to get it.
Economic Development
Development Assistance. Assesses the motivations for development assistance but raises doubts about the extent to which it can overcome local issues.
Globalisation
Let us now focus on the international context of the elements we've seen so far. Globalisation - what is it really? What are the benefits it is supposed to confer and what is the role, if any, left for national governments in today's world?
International organizations
International organization. What role do they play in the world economy?
Non Governmental actors
Even though they do not belong to any establishment or an institution, certain non- governmental institutions can have a lot of power and influence. Who are those actors? How much power do they really have? We will dive into these question in this module!
Final
The final exam! Good luck!
Extra Material
Not for the test - but very good for your general knowledge!

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Political Economy is taught by Richard Thomas Griffiths, who has 20 years experience working in the field
Explores the intersection of politics and economics to understand global issues and challenges
Covers a wide range of topics, including trust, inequality, governance, development, globalization and more
Provides a strong foundation for students interested in international relations, global governance, and development studies
Draws upon a variety of sources and includes a critical examination of the issues discussed

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Reviews summary

Popular political economy course

Learners say this course is a wonderful, well-received, great, very informative, and excellent introduction to political economy. Suitable for beginners, the course covers a wide range of topics in political economy and development. Its engaging lectures, readings, and assignments help learners develop analytical tools to critically evaluate economic phenomena and their implications in today's world. Students say that Professor Griffiths is thought-provoking. The course is highly recommended by students for those interested in politics, development, and international relations.
The course provides a strong foundation in political economy.
"Excellent foundational but also thought-provoking course."
"an excellent introduction to political economy."
"Very suitable for beginners interested in international political economy, truly useful for me to solid the foundation."
Professor Griffiths is knowledgeable and makes teaching interesting.
"I gained a great deal of knowledge as Prof Griffiths gives in depth explanations of concepts."
"An entertaining and dynamic professor, with loads of interesting maps to understand the key concepts concretely."
"The roles played by the UN, WTO, IMF, International Organizations etc to maintain the votes of developed countries is well discussed."
The course covers a wide range of topics in political economy and development.
"It touched so many topics, I am amazed by how comprehensive the course was"
"The topics covered were very interesting and applicable to modern problems!"
"Very great and useful content in this course, reliable and inspirational"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Political Economy of Institutions and Development with these activities:
Seek Mentorship from Economic Professionals
Connect with experts in the field to gain valuable insights and guidance.
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors
  • Reach out and introduce yourself
  • Set up regular meetings or communication channels
  • Seek advice and support on course-related topics
Brush up on Data Manipulation Skills
Refresh your data manipulation skills to strengthen your foundation for this course.
Browse courses on Data Manipulation
Show steps
  • Review basic data structures and algorithms
  • Practice data cleaning and preparation techniques
  • Experiment with different data visualization tools
Follow Tutorials on Economic Modeling
Enhance your understanding of economic models and their applications.
Show steps
  • Identify reputable online tutorials
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step
  • Apply the models to real-world economic scenarios
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read 'The World Economy' by Robert Gilpin
Gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of politics and economics on a global scale.
Show steps
  • Read and summarize each chapter
  • Identify key concepts and theories
  • Discuss the book's relevance to the course material
Engage in Peer Review of Economic Analyses
Refine your critical thinking and analytical skills through peer feedback.
Show steps
  • Form peer review groups
  • Exchange economic analyses
  • Provide constructive feedback on methodology, data analysis, and conclusions
Solve Economic Development Case Studies
Engage in real-world scenarios to reinforce your understanding of economic development concepts.
Show steps
  • Analyze economic data and trends
  • Develop and evaluate economic development strategies
  • Present your findings and recommendations
Build a Dashboard to Track Economic Indicators
Develop your data visualization skills and gain insights from economic data.
Show steps
  • Choose relevant economic indicators
  • Collect and clean the data
  • Select a data visualization tool
  • Design and implement the dashboard
  • Interpret the data and draw conclusions
Design an Economic Development Plan
Demonstrate your comprehension of economic development principles by creating a comprehensive plan.
Show steps
  • Identify economic development goals and objectives
  • Conduct a needs assessment and SWOT analysis
  • Develop strategies and action steps
  • Create a budget and timeline
  • Present your plan to stakeholders

Career center

Learners who complete Political Economy of Institutions and Development will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Sociologist
Sociologists study human society and behavior. They use their knowledge to analyze social trends and make predictions about the future. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career as a Sociologist because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for Sociologists who want to work on issues related to these topics.
Anthropologist
Anthropologists study human cultures and societies. They use their knowledge to analyze cultural trends and make predictions about the future. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career as an Anthropologist because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for Anthropologists who want to work on issues related to these topics.
Historian
Historians study the past to understand the present. They use their knowledge to analyze historical trends and make predictions about the future. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career as a Historian because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for Historians who want to work on issues related to these topics.
Political Scientist
Political Scientists study political systems and processes. They use their knowledge to analyze political trends and make predictions about the future. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career as a Political Scientist because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for Political Scientists who want to work on issues related to these topics.
Lawyer
Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters. They may specialize in a particular area, such as corporate law, criminal law, or family law. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career as a Lawyer because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for Lawyers who want to work on cases related to these issues.
Economist
Economists study how people produce, distribute, and consume goods and services. They use their knowledge to analyze economic trends and make predictions about the future. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career as an Economist because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for Economists who want to work on issues related to these topics.
Professor
Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. They may specialize in a particular area, such as political science, economics, or sociology. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career as a Professor because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for Professors who want to teach and research these topics.
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and expertise to businesses and organizations. They may specialize in a particular area, such as management consulting, financial consulting, or information technology consulting. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career as a Consultant because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for Consultants who want to work on projects related to these issues.
Journalist
Journalists write, edit, and produce news stories for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other media outlets. They may specialize in a particular area, such as politics, economics, or sports. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career as a Journalist because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for Journalists who want to report on these issues.
Research Analyst
Research Analysts conduct research and analyze data to provide insights to businesses and organizations. They may specialize in a particular area, such as market research, financial research, or data science. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career as a Research Analyst because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for Research Analysts who want to work on projects related to these issues.
Nonprofit Program Manager
Nonprofit Program Managers plan, implement, and evaluate nonprofit programs. They work with staff, volunteers, and community partners to achieve the organization's goals. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career as a Nonprofit Program Manager because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for Nonprofit Program Managers who want to work on programs related to these issues.
International Relations Analyst
International Relations Analysts research and analyze international relations issues. They use their findings to make recommendations to policymakers and international organizations. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career as an International Relations Analyst because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for International Relations Analysts who want to work on issues related to these topics.
Development Economist
Development Economists research and analyze economic development issues. They use their findings to make recommendations to policymakers and development organizations. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career as a Development Economist because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for Development Economists who want to work on projects related to these issues.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research, analyze, and evaluate public policies. They use their findings to make recommendations to policymakers. This course may be useful for those who want to pursue a career as a Policy Analyst because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for Policy Analysts who want to work on policies related to these issues.
Writer
Writers create content for various media, including websites, magazines, newspapers, and books. They may specialize in a particular type of writing, such as technical writing, copywriting, or journalism. This course may be helpful for those who want to pursue a career as a Writer because it provides a foundation in political economy and development. This knowledge can be helpful for Writers who want to write about these topics or who want to work for organizations that focus on these issues.

Reading list

We've selected 39 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Political Economy of Institutions and Development.
Explores the historical and institutional factors that have led to the success or failure of different countries. It must-read for anyone interested in understanding the political economy of development.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the role of institutions in economic development. It covers a wide range of topics, including the role of property rights, contracts, and trust in economic growth.
Provides an overview of the major theoretical perspectives on institutions and economic development, with a particular focus on the role of governance in promoting growth and reducing poverty. It would be a useful reference for students who want to learn more about the theoretical foundations of the course.
This classic work of economic development theory provides a framework for understanding the process of economic growth. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the political economy of development.
Examines the challenges and opportunities posed by globalization. It must-read for anyone interested in the political economy of the global economy.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the political economy, covering a wide range of topics from economic growth and development to inequality and political institutions. It valuable resource for students and scholars alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of political economy, with a particular focus on the role of institutions in shaping economic outcomes. It would be a useful reference for students who want to learn more about the latest research in political economy.
Examines the impact of information technology on the global economy. It valuable resource for anyone interested in the political economy of the global economy.
Introduces a new approach to thinking about development. Sen argues that development should focus on expanding people's freedom and capabilities.
Examines the moral and political foundations of capitalism. It must-read for anyone interested in the political economy of capitalism.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the causes of poverty and offers a plan for ending it. Sachs argues that poverty is not inevitable and that it can be overcome through economic growth and development.
Examines the impact of globalization on cultural and political values. It valuable resource for anyone interested in the political economy of globalization.
Challenges some of the common assumptions about capitalism. It valuable resource for anyone interested in the political economy of capitalism.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the ethics of aid. It covers a wide range of topics, including the moral obligations of wealthy countries to help poor countries, the effectiveness of aid, and the challenges of giving aid in a way that is respectful of the dignity of the recipients.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the world's economy and development. It includes data on a wide range of topics, including population, GDP, poverty, and health.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the world's human development. It includes data on a wide range of topics, including life expectancy, education, and income.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the world's competitiveness. It includes data on a wide range of topics, including infrastructure, education, and health.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the world's inequality. It includes data on a wide range of topics, including income, wealth, and education.
Leading textbook on the economics of development. It provides a clear and concise introduction to the key concepts and theories of development economics.
Explores the relationship between institutions and economic development. It argues that institutions are essential for economic growth and that their quality is determined by a country's history and culture.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the political economy of development. It covers a wide range of topics, including economic growth, inequality, poverty, and the environment.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the economics of poverty. It covers a wide range of topics, including the causes of poverty, the impact of poverty on individuals and societies, and the policies that can be used to reduce poverty.
Classic work of economics that provides a framework for understanding the role of institutions in economic development. It argues that institutions are essential for creating a stable and prosperous economy.
Provides a critical analysis of the global political economy. It argues that the global system is characterized by power and inequality and that this has a significant impact on the lives of people in developing countries.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the global political economy. It covers topics such as globalization, international trade, and finance.
Argues that the lack of property rights major obstacle to economic development. It provides a case study of Peru to illustrate the importance of property rights for economic growth.
Argues that the world is divided into different civilizations and that these civilizations are in conflict with each other. It provides a political perspective on the role of institutions in economic development.
Argues that the end of the Cold War has marked the end of history and that the world is now entering a new era of peace and prosperity. It provides a philosophical perspective on the role of institutions in economic development.
Argues that the Industrial Revolution was not a uniquely European phenomenon. It provides a historical perspective on the role of institutions in economic development.
Argues that the key to economic development is the creation of institutions that protect property rights and promote economic freedom. It provides a historical perspective on the role of institutions in economic development.
Argues that the world is facing a number of global challenges, including war, climate change, and economic inequality. It provides a policy perspective on the role of institutions in addressing these challenges.
Argues that the world is entering a new era of technological change that will have a profound impact on the economy. It provides a policy perspective on the role of institutions in preparing for this change.

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