You'll explore how politics and economics intersect on the global stage. The course covers trade policies, international financial systems, and how countries compete economically. You'll also learn about globalization, economic development, and the role of international organizations like the IMF and World Bank in shaping the global economy.

Is Political Economy of International Relations hard?

It can be challenging, especially if you're not familiar with economic concepts. There's a lot of theory to grasp, and you'll need to understand complex global systems. But don't worry, it's not all dry economics. The political aspects make it more interesting, and once you get the hang of it, it's pretty fascinating to see how everything connects.

Tips for taking Political Economy of International Relations in college

Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram 🌶️
Stay up-to-date with current events - they often relate to course concepts
Practice applying theories to real-world situations (e.g., use the Heckscher-Ohlin model to explain trade patterns)
Form study groups to discuss complex topics like the Bretton Woods system
Watch documentaries like "Inside Job" or "The Big Short" to understand financial crises
Read "The Bottom Billion" by Paul Collier for insights on development economics

Common pre-requisites for Political Economy of International Relations

Introduction to International Relations: This course gives you the basics of how countries interact and the key theories in IR. It's a good foundation for understanding the political side of political economy.
Principles of Macroeconomics: You'll learn about national economies, inflation, and economic growth. This class helps you grasp the economic concepts you'll need in political economy.

Classes similar to Political Economy of International Relations

International Trade: Focuses on the economic theory behind trade between countries. You'll learn about comparative advantage, trade policies, and how trade affects different groups within countries.
Global Financial Markets: Dives into how international financial markets work. You'll study exchange rates, global capital flows, and financial crises.
Development Economics: Explores why some countries are rich and others are poor. You'll learn about different development strategies and the challenges facing developing countries.
Globalization and Its Discontents: Examines the pros and cons of globalization. You'll discuss topics like outsourcing, cultural homogenization, and anti-globalization movements.

International Relations: Focuses on how countries interact with each other politically, economically, and diplomatically. Students learn about global issues, foreign policy, and international organizations.
Economics: Involves studying how societies allocate resources and make decisions. Students learn about markets, economic policies, and how to analyze economic data.
Political Science: Examines political systems, institutions, and behavior. Students study various forms of government, political theories, and how policies are made and implemented.
Global Studies: Offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding global issues. Students explore topics like cultural diversity, global economics, and environmental challenges from multiple perspectives.

What can you do with a degree in Political Economy of International Relations?

Policy Analyst: Works for government agencies or think tanks to evaluate and develop policies. They research complex issues and provide recommendations to decision-makers.
International Business Consultant: Advises companies on how to operate in different countries. They help businesses navigate foreign markets, regulations, and cultural differences.
Economic Journalist: Reports on economic and financial news for media outlets. They explain complex economic issues to the public and analyze trends in the global economy.
Diplomat: Represents their country's interests abroad and negotiates with foreign governments. They work on issues like trade agreements, security cooperation, and cultural exchanges.