Global Political Economy: Theories and Key Issues

Course Coordinator: Dr James Floyd Downes, BA Hons (First Class) Essex, MA (Essex); PhD (Kent); Teaching Certificate (CUHK); AFHEA

Aims
This course aims to examine the key concepts and theories of global political economy and their application to the development process in the real world. Drawing on the experiences of developed and developing countries, especially those in East Asia, the course is designed to guide students to analyse the roles of the government in economic development in both local and global contexts.

This course also examines the prospects and problems of the interplay between government policies and economic development within a country, as well as the interdependence among national economies in the age of globalisation. Real-world examples from international and regional organisations such as the European Union (EU), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will also be discussed throughout the course.

Contents

• Global political economy: Key issues and concepts
• Government intervention: Market failure and government failure
• The role of the government in economic development in advanced countries
• The role of the government in economic development in developing countries
• Developmental state theory and the economic development of NIEs
• Globalisation and economic development
• Globalisation: Trade and financial flows

Assessment
There will be two assignments, each worth 50% of the total course score. Students are required to submit assignments via the Online Learning Environment (OLE).

Set Book(s)
There is no set book for this course. A list of key readings for each topic will be recommended to students.