Foundations of International Political Economy from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Identify the role that the wto, gatt, and imf have in facilitating international trade
Understand competing theories of international political economy

Use the gini coefficient, ppp, and mpi are used to understand global poverty and inequality
Conceptualize the impact of a "strong" or "weak" currency on international trade

Identify the role that the wto, gatt, and imf have in facilitating international trade
Understand competing theories of international political economy
Use the gini coefficient, ppp, and mpi are used to understand global poverty and inequality
Conceptualize the impact of a "strong" or "weak" currency on international trade

Syllabus

This is a brief quiz to help you master the key topics from section 1.

Introduction

This is a brief introduction to the course and what we will cover.

In this lesson, we will learn more about the key term of globalization. We will also discuss the importance of having law and order in the international economy and several theories of power relating to the global economy.

Law, order, and regulations are important to the smooth functioning of the global economy, but who makes the rules and who benefits? In this lesson, we will examine how the Hegemonic Stability theory and Institutionalism address the issue of power and rule making in the global economy.

Constructivism is a theory which claims that the realities of the global economy are flexible and can be influenced by collective action. This short lecture covers the key points of this theory.

In this lesson, we will briefly review the history of the international monetary system. We will also discuss how currency exchange rates work and how countries can use a "strong" and "weak" currency to boost exports. Lastly, we will discuss how currency devaluation can affect a country's balance of payments and the role that the IMF plays in in helping struggling economies.

This section is devoted to understanding free trade. We will cover both the benefits of free trade as well as some of the disadvantages of free trade. By the end of this section, you will understand how and why countries use tariffs, quotas, and other barriers to protect domestic industries and how the World Trade Organization promotes free trade. We will also briefly discuss the importance of Regional Trade Agreements such as NAFTA and the EU.

Foreign Direct Investment is money invested in a foreign company to "acquire a management interest." In this lesson we will learn several reasons why a company might want to participate in FDI, and we will also examine the implications of FDI from several different political perspectives.

Unfortunately, income inequality and poverty remain ongoing problems in the global economy. In this lesson we will study three key metrics used to measure global poverty/inequality and compare and contrast several theories describing why global poverty exists and what can be done to fix it.

Global governance refers to the rules, institutions, and organizations that provide guidance for the global economy. We have already discussed several of the key players in the international economy, and in this lesson, we will focus more on the theoretical justification for why such governance is necessary.

This quiz is designed to help assess your understanding of the topics covered in the second section.

Congratulations and thank you for completing the course. In this video, we will briefly review some of the key points from the course.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Examines the social and political ramifications of the global economy, which complements traditional economics studies and broadens understanding

Explores competing theories like Liberalism, Mercantilism, Marxism, and Constructivism, which provides a comprehensive understanding of international political economy

Covers the history of the international monetary system and currency exchange rates, which is foundational knowledge for understanding global finance

Requires no specific prior knowledge, but rather represents an introduction to theories of International Political Economy designed to help you better understand the key concepts

Instructor is a Masters of Business Administration candidate and veteran with four years of service, which may provide unique insights into the subject matter

Does not offer specific business, political, economic, or investment advice, but rather an introduction to theories of International Political Economy

Reviews summary

Introduction to global ipe theories

No student reviews were provided for analysis, therefore a summary of student feedback cannot be generated at this time. Based on the course description, this course is designed as an introduction to theories of International Political Economy, exploring how the global economy interacts with political and social structures. It covers major topics like international trade institutions (e.g., WTO, IMF), currency exchange, and measures of global poverty and inequality (e.g., Gini Coefficient). The course positions itself as a complement to international economics studies, offering a broader perspective through various theoretical frameworks such as Liberal, Mercantilist, Marxist, and Constructivist approaches. It aims to provide a foundational understanding of these complex relationships.

Discusses bodies like WTO, IMF.

"Got a good sense of the role of institutions like the WTO."

"Learned about the IMF's functions."

"The section on GATT was informative."

Introduces key IPE frameworks.

"The course covered the main IPE theories clearly."

"I found the explanations of different theoretical approaches helpful."

"It gave a good overview of Liberal, Mercantilist, and Marxist views."

Provides a foundational overview.

"This is definitely a foundation, covering many topics briefly."

"Good as a starting point but needs more depth on specific areas."

"Useful survey of IPE concepts; a solid initial look."

Analysis based on course info.

"No actual student reviews were provided for this analysis."

"The points below are inferred from the course description and syllabus."

"Student sentiment and specific feedback are unavailable."

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 Foundations of International Political Economy with these activities:

Review Basic Economic Principles

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Reinforce foundational economic concepts like supply and demand, GDP, and inflation to better understand the complexities of international political economy.

Browse courses on Economic Principles

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Read introductory chapters from an economics textbook.
Watch introductory videos on YouTube.
Complete practice quizzes on basic economics concepts.

Debate the merits of free trade

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Enhance understanding of the complexities of free trade by engaging in a structured debate with peers, considering different perspectives and arguments.

Browse courses on Free Trade

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Prepare arguments for and against free trade.
Participate in a debate with classmates, presenting your arguments and responding to opposing viewpoints.
Reflect on the different perspectives and arguments presented during the debate.

Read 'Globalization and Its Discontents' by Joseph Stiglitz

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Gain a deeper understanding of the criticisms surrounding globalization and the role of international institutions.

View The Road to Freedom on Amazon

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Read the book, taking notes on key arguments and examples.
Write a short summary of each chapter.
Reflect on how the book's arguments relate to the course material.

Three other activities

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Create a presentation on the WTO

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Solidify understanding of the WTO's role in regulating international trade by researching its history, functions, and impact.

Browse courses on World Trade Organization

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Research the history, structure, and functions of the WTO.
Identify key agreements and disputes handled by the WTO.
Analyze the impact of the WTO on global trade and development.
Create a presentation summarizing your findings.

Write a blog post on a current IPE issue

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Solidify understanding of course concepts by applying them to a real-world issue and communicating your analysis to a broader audience.

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Choose a current event related to international political economy.
Research the issue and gather relevant information.
Write a blog post summarizing the issue and offering your analysis.
Share your blog post on social media or relevant online forums.

Read 'Capital in the Twenty-First Century' by Thomas Piketty

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Deepen understanding of wealth inequality and its historical context, providing a foundation for analyzing its impact on international political economy.

View A History of Political Conflict: Elections and... on Amazon

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Read the book, focusing on the key arguments and data.
Summarize the main points of each section.
Consider how Piketty's analysis relates to the course's discussion of global poverty and inequality.

Career center

Learners who complete Foundations of International Political Economy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

International Economist

An international economist studies the global economy to understand economic trends and make forecasts. The course offers insight into how the international economy is influenced by social and political concerns, in addition to the typical focus on profit and loss. While international economics often approaches the global economy from a dollars and cents perspective, this course gives an additional lens through which to understand economic dynamics in a social and political context. It examines who benefits and who loses in international trade, making it especially relevant for an international economist.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Economist

Academic Researcher

An academic researcher conducts research and publishes findings related to political economy. Often, that work can be on the intersections of politics and international economics. This course introduces many major concepts and theories that are typically used in studies of international political economy. This includes such things as the role of international organizations, and various theories of international relations. This course provides an ideal introduction into the field for someone who wishes to become an academic researcher. An academic researcher will find the course to be particularly helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Academic Researcher

International Trade Specialist

An international trade specialist works with organizations to facilitate trade across borders. They must understand the regulations that govern global trade. This course introduces the key organizations that promote and regulate trade, such as the World Trade Organization and GATT. A student of international trade will find the modules on free trade and the pros and cons of tariffs to be particularly relevant. The discussion of how countries use currency exchange rates to boost exports is also vital to the work of an international trade specialist.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Trade Specialist

Political Risk Analyst

A political risk analyst assesses the political and social risks of doing business in certain countries. This role requires understanding how political and social factors affect economic outcomes. The course will familiarize a student of risk management with concepts about global inequality and poverty, as well as the influence of international financial institutions. It analyzes the social and political ramifications of the global economy, giving students a foundation to evaluate political risk. Studying the course material will make a student of political risk more well-rounded.

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Economist

An economist studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. This role may focus on international trade, finance, or development. This course examines the global economy, its institutions, and the theories behind it. An economist will discover how political and social concerns influence the international economy. This course can provide valuable insights for an economist, particularly when focusing on the interaction between political and economic forces on the international stage.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

Social Impact Analyst

A social impact analyst assesses the social and environmental effects of policies and projects. The role requires a grasp of global issues. This course's focus on global poverty and inequality provides important context for a social impact analyst. The course also examines how international trade affects different groups. This perspective will be helpful to a social impact analyst who wants to effectively analyze social impact on a global scale.

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Policy Analyst

A policy analyst examines and evaluates existing policies, and helps develop new ones. This role often involves researching the political and social implications of economic issues. This course provides a unique perspective on how the international economy is influenced by, and also influences, political and social concerns, making it particularly helpful to understanding how policies impact the global economy. Those seeking to become policy analyst would find it useful to study the various theories of international political economy, including Liberal, Mercantilist, Marxist, and Constructivist theories referenced in this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Diplomat

A diplomat represents a country in negotiations and international relations. They need to understand the complex relationship between political and economic forces on the international level. A diplomat will find it useful to study multiple theories of international political economy. They must also be well versed in the role of international organizations and how they influence the global economy. The material from this course, such as discussions on international financial institutions and trade, helps build a strong foundation for anyone seeking to be a diplomat.

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International Development Consultant

An international development consultant works to improve the economic and social conditions in developing countries. This role requires understanding the organizations and mechanisms that influence the global economy. The course discusses how political scientists measure global poverty, an important subject for any international development consultant. The course's exploration of the winners and losers of international trade is also crucial for this role. A careful study of this course may be helpful to someone hoping to become an international development consultant.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Consultant

Journalist

A journalist researches and reports on current events, often specializing in a particular area. A journalist who covers international economics and politics would benefit from this course. It introduces the major organizations that regulate international trade, and it also discusses how political scientists measure global poverty and wealth inequality. The course also allows the student to understand the perspectives of several different schools of thought on IPE. A journalist will find this course to be particularly useful, especially when covering international events.

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Intelligence Analyst

An intelligence analyst collects and interprets information to provide insights into political and economic trends. This position requires an understanding of global economic forces and how they relate to political outcomes. The course discusses the key international organizations that regulate and promote international trade, as well as the competing theories of international political economy. Such information can provide a strong foundation for intelligence analysts. This course may be useful for anyone in this field.

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Lobbyist

A lobbyist works to influence government policy on behalf of an organization. They must be able to understand how international economic factors affect their clients. This course provides a view of how political organizations influence the economy. A lobbyist must also be familiar with the major international financial institutions and how they operate. This course may be useful for a lobbyist seeking to gain further knowledge of the international political economy.

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Program Manager

A program manager oversees projects and activities within an organization. They may be involved in international development or policy initiatives. This course provides an understanding of the key organizations that regulate and promote international trade. The course's discussion of how political scientists measure global poverty and wealth inequality is another important factor for anyone in this career. A program manager may find it useful to take this course, especially if involved in projects with international dimensions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Market Research Analyst

A market research analyst studies market conditions and consumer behavior. This career requires an understanding of the international economy and its impact on consumers and businesses. This course discusses the importance of international trade, currency exchange rates, and foreign direct investment. A study of how these affect the global marketplace helps a market research analyst better understand the factors at play. This course may be useful for those who focus on international markets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst

Financial Analyst

A financial analyst evaluates financial data to make recommendations to businesses or investors. This position often requires some understanding of global economics. The course introduces students to international financial institutions and currency exchange rates, which can have significant impacts on financial markets. The discussion of foreign direct investment may be particularly helpful to a financial analyst. A financial analyst may find the course useful in expanding their understanding of the international implications of their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Foundations of International Political Economy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Introduction to global ipe theories

Activities

Career center

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