B2206 - INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS AND TRADE

Learning outcomes

The course aims at helping students navigate the realities of the global economy. The course will emphasize blending theory and data with real-world policies, events, and evidence. The course will discuss patterns of trade, the gains and losses from liberalizing or restricting trade, and the role of increasing returns. At the end of the course the student will be expected to become familiar with policy relevant questions concerning migrations, income distribution, multinational enterprises and ‘North-south’ issues. Protectionism, trade and the environment and the role of international institutions and agreements (the EU, the World Trade Organization (WTO)) will also be discussed.

Course contents

The course is divided in 2 parts , The first will deal with the main models of trade models and cover

1. Traditional trade theory and comparative advantage (Ricardian Model)
2 Factor abundance and the Heckscher-Ohlin model
3. Increasing returns , monopolistic competition
4 Heterogeneous firms and the Gravity equation

The second part will deal with trade policy issues:

1. Trade Regional Agreements
2 Import Quotas, Tariffs and Export subsidies
3 Multinationals

Readings/Bibliography

obert Feenstra, Advanced International Trade, Princeton University press, 2016

Elhanan Helpman, Understanding Global Trade, Belknap Press, 2010

Pol Antràs, Global Production, Princeton University Press, 2016

Teaching methods

Standard Lecture

Assessment methods

Written exam

Teaching tools

Slides available on virtuale

Office hours

See the website of Paolo Luciano Adalberto Manasse