Money and Power

Catalog description

This course studies the way in which power and money, politics and the economy interact in the contemporary world order. It explores how conflicts of interest regarding trade, investment, profits and employment are handled in the international arena and domestically, how power is deployed to secure economic benefits, and how money is turned into power. The course surveys the development of the global economic and political system since the Second World War, and analyzes its ability to deal with the most burning challenges of the current day like climate change, poverty, inequality, repeated crises, the threat of war, and so on. We will answer questions like: Can the US retain its preeminent role in the global economy?; How do multinational companies change the way governments work?; What are international organizations like the IMF or the World Bank meant to do and what is their track record?; What do international trade and investment have to do with the rise of extreme right radicalism across the Global North?; Is transition to a greener economy feasible under the current system?. The course relies on independent study, class discussion and student projects. The last two weeks are set aside for discussing the findings of students' research projects. Only one of R POS 381 and T POS 281 may be taken for credit. Open to Honors College students only.