82007 - International Economics Policy

Learning outcomes

The course aims to equip students with analytical tools to interpret and explain the relationships between economic and political processes in international politics. Specifically, it seeks to help students achieve the following objectives: (1) a solid understanding of the main theories within this subfield of political science, (2) a broad knowledge of various areas of empirical investigation, such as trade, investment, monetary policy, finance, multinational corporations, environmental politics, and international development policies, and (3) a strong ability to comprehend the policy choices faced by public decision-makers at different levels of government in today’s global economy.

Course contents

The course introduces students to the political analysis of the international economic system, its historical evolution and contemporary challenges such as, for example, those associated with climate change and the use of artificial intelligence. The first part of the course introduces the main theoretical approaches, themes and horizontal questions that characterize the discipline of International Political Economy. The second part of the course deals with specific themes linked to the current economic challenges that the international system faces.

The course is made up of two sections: 1) a frontal lessons section (16 hours) and 2) a seminar section (12 hours) as indicated in the program beloww. For the seminar section, students are divided into two groups and attend one of the two meetings scheduled for each seminar. Students are required to come to class having already read the assigned material (present on Virtuale). Active participation in the classroom is required.

PARTE 1 – Lessons

1. Introduzione: Perchè studiare la politica dell’economia internazionale?

   Phillips, N., ed. (2023) Global Political Economy. Oxford, Oxford University Press. Capitoli 1 e 2

2. Come studiare la politica dell’economia internazionale?

   Phillips, N., ed. (2023) Global Political Economy. Oxford, Oxford University Press. Capitolo 3

3. Gli attori della politica dell’economia internazionale

   Moschella, M. (2013) Governare la Finanza Globale. Istituzioni, processi decisionali e politiche pubbliche Bologna, Il Mulino. Capitolo 3

4. Il contesto istituzionale della politica dell’economia internazionale: il ruolo della globalizzazione

   Moschella, M. (2013) Governare la Finanza Globale. Istituzioni, processi decisionali e politiche pubbliche Bologna, Il Mulino. Capitolo 2

5. Il commercio internazionale

   Phillips, N., ed. (2023) Global Political Economy. Oxford, Oxford University Press. Capitolo 6

6. Moneta e finanza internazionale

   Phillips, N., ed. (2023) Global Political Economy. Oxford, Oxford University Press. Capitolo 5

7. Sviluppo economico e diseguaglianza

   Phillips, N., ed. (2023) Global Political Economy. Oxford, Oxford University Press. Capitolo 10

   Guidi, M. and A. Poletti (2024) Politiche dell’economia globale. Mondadori – Capitolo 8

8. Democrazia e legittimità della politica dell’economia internazionale

Moschella, M. (2013) Governare la Finanza Globale. Istituzioni, processi decisionali e politiche pubbliche Bologna, Il Mulino. Capitolo 4

PARTE 2- Seminars

1. Ambiente e clima

   Guidi, M. and A. Poletti (2024) Politiche dell’economia globale. Mondadori – Capitolo 7

2. Dal neoliberismo alla de-globalizzazione?

   Phillips, N., ed. (2023) Global Political Economy. Oxford, Oxford University Press. Capitolo 4

3. Intelligenza artificiale e catene globali del valore

   Guidi, M. and A. Poletti (2024) Politche dell’economia globale. Mondadori – Capitolo 6

4. Il dollaro e i suoi contendenti

   McDowell, D. (2023) Bucking the Buck. US Financial Sanctions and the International Backlash against the Dollar, Oxford: Oxford University Press. Chapter 2

5. Gender e fenomeni migratori

   Phillips, N., ed. (2023) Global Political Economy. Oxford, Oxford University Press. Capitolo 13

6. Cooperazione economica regionale: il caso dell’Unione Europea and dell’Unione Economica e Monetaria Moschella, M., L. Quaglia and A. Spendzharova (2023). European Political Economy. Theoretical approaches and policy issues, Oxford University Press – Chapter 5

Readings/Bibliography

The texts to be used are indicated in the previous section, organized by topics addressed in the classroom. Most of the suggested readings come from the following books:

• Phillips, N., ed. (2023) Global Political Economy. Oxford, Oxford University Press.
• Guidi, M. and A. Poletti (2024) Politiche dell’economia globale. Mondadori
• Moschella, M. (2013) Governare la Finanza Globale. Istituzioni, processi decisionali e politiche pubbliche Bologna, Il Mulino.

In addition to the chapters and articles indicated, 'extra' materials will be uploaded to Virtuale, i.e. short readings and videos, only relating to the seminar section of the course. Students who attend the course are expected to use the ‘extra’ material to foster active participation in the six seminars indicated in the course program.

Teaching methods

Lessons and seminars

Students with DSA or temporary or permanent disabilities:

It is recommended to contact the responsible University office in good time (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it ): it will be their responsibility to propose any adaptations to the students concerned, which must however be submitted, with a 15-day notice, to the approval of the teacher, who will evaluate the opportunity also in relation to the educational objectives of the course.

Assessment methods

Students who regularly attend lessons will be assessed through a final written exam. The final written exam will consist of 2 open-ended questions (max 500 words per question). The exam duration is 90 minutes. To prepare for the exam, students are expected to study all chapters assigned for each lesson and seminar as indicated in the course program above. The 'extra' materials uploaded to Virtuale will not be part of the final examination.

Students who DO NOT regularly attend the course will be assessed through a final written exam. The exam will consist of 3 open-ended questions (max 500 words per question). To prepare for the exam, students are expected to study all readings in the syllabus. The duration of teh exam is 90 minutes.

The evaluation of the final written exam, both for attending and non-attending students, will be based on the following three criteria:

• Correctness of contents
• Clarity in the exposition of contents
• Ability to make logical connections and draw implications

Grading of the Final Exam:

• Grade 18–19: Responses show only a basic correctness of contents, with limited clarity in the exposition of contents. There is minimal ability to make logical connections or draw implications, and overall language is correct but simple.
• Grade 20–24: Responses reflect a sufficient correctness of contents and acceptable clarity in the exposition of contents. There is evidence of a basic ability to make logical connections and draw implications, with correct use of language.
• Grade 25–29: Responses reflect strong correctness of contents, clarity in the exposition of contents, and an ability to make autonomous choices of critical analysis, including effective use of specific terminology. There is a good ability to make logical connections and draw implications.
• Grade 30–30L: Responses show excellent correctness of contents and clarity in the exposition of contents, as well as a high ability to make logical connections, draw implications, and self-reflect. The student demonstrates full command of specific terminology, the ability to argue effectively, and strong critical thinking.

Office hours

See the website of Manuela Moschella