Political Economy of International Trade

Catalog description

The main objective of this course is to examine the impact of political and economic factors on international trade policy. This course addresses leading theories and major policy debates in political economy of international trade. In particular, this course examines key models in the economics of international trade, the rationale behind trade liberalization and protection, the distributional consequences of trade, the role of interest groups, domestic and international institutions in trade policy making. In addition, the course aims to equip graduate students with analytical tools to pursue empirical research on a pertinent issue. The course is divided into several sections. Students will begin by surveying main theoretical frameworks in international trade, including the new trade theory. Next, students will scrutinize the political economy theories to explain trade protection and trade liberalization. We they proceed with the analysis of international trade regimes and their effect on trade policy reforms in both developing and developed countries. Students will also analyze the relationship between international trade, democratic transition and economic development. The course will conclude with the discussion of contemporary debates in political economy of international trade.