MVZn4001 International Political Economy

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2023
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 8 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
doc. Mgr. et Mgr. Oldřich Krpec, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Vladan Hodulák, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
doc. Mgr. et Mgr. Oldřich Krpec, Ph.D.
Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Olga Cídlová, DiS.
Supplier department: Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Thu 14:00–15:40 P24a
Prerequisites (in Czech)
! MVZ401 IPE && !NOW( MVZ401 IPE ) && ! MVZn4203 IPE && !NOW( MVZn4203 IPE )
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The International Political Economy (IPE) graduate course at Masaryk University is an in-depth exploration of the theoretical and practical aspects of global economic interactions. Focused on the critical examination of paradigms, theories, and concepts, the course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of international trade, the international monetary system, and the development paradigm. This course delves into the foundational theories of IPE, including mercantilism, liberalism, and Marxism, analyzing their influence on global economic policies and practices. Students are encouraged to critically evaluate how these theoretical frameworks have shaped historical and contemporary economic events and policies. Special emphasis is placed on the dynamics of international trade. The course examines the principles and complexities of trade relationships between nations, trade policies, and the impact of global trade organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO). It explores the political underpinnings of trade agreements and disputes, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities of global trade. Another critical component of the course is the study of the international monetary system. This includes an analysis of the role and functioning of key financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. The course investigates the evolution of the global monetary system, its impact on international economic relations, and current issues such as currency exchange rates, monetary policies, and global financial stability. The course also addresses the theme of development, exploring diverse perspectives on economic growth and development in different regions of the world. It covers topics such as development theories, the role of international aid, the impact of globalization on developing countries, and sustainable development. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to engage with contemporary issues and debates in the field of IPE. This involves critical discussions on current global economic challenges, the role of state and non-state actors in the international economic system, and the impact of economic policies on societal well-being. The course aims to equip students with a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the global economic landscape, viewed through a political lens. Students will develop analytical skills necessary for assessing the intersection of politics and economics on a global scale, preparing them for careers in international organizations, government, or academia.
Learning outcomes
Students of the course will gain the sum of information necessary for understanding the relation between economical and political aspects of international relations. They will also learn how to use the theoretical concepts to be able to analyze and evaluate some of the most discussed topics of today’s globalized world. Above all, they will learn how to explain relationships between economic variables and political power and asses effects of economic dimension of international relations on outcomes in the international system. Outcomes on the general level include the students' ability to creatively use modern theories of international relations in expert analysis; interpret current issues in world politics based on theory; and nalyse key dimensions of international relations (security, economic, energetic, legal, and societal).
Syllabus
  • 1) Economics as a Research Aspect in International Relations (Krpec) Literature: Cohen, Benjamin (2008), pp. 16-65; Frieden, Jeffry A., Lake, David A. (2000), pp. 1-16; Aldcroft, Derek H., Sutcliffe, Anthony (1999), pp. 1-12; Krpec, Hodulák (2011), pp. 17-44. Paradigmatic Perspectives of International Political Economy (Krpec) Literature: Gilpin, Robert (1987), pp. 25-64; Krpec, Hodulák (2011), pp. 45-52. Money and State (Hodulák) Literature: Mitchell, William, Wray, Randall, Watts, Martin (2019) pp. 134-146. Political Economy of the International Monetary System (Hodulák) Literature: Oatley, Thomas (2019) pp. 279-307; Krpec, Hodulák (2011), pp. 137-172, Cohen (2015) pp. 48-76. Political Economy of International Finance (Hodulák) Literature: Krpec, Hodulák (2011), pp. 173-206, Oatley, Thomas (2019) pp. 308-338. Theories of International Political Economy, Typology of Capitalism (Krpec) Literature: Farkas, B. (2016) "Models of capitalism in the European Union: Post-crisis perspectives." Springer, pp. 29-67; Gilpin, Robert (1987), pp. 65-80; Gilpin, Robert (2001), pp. 103-148; Krpec, Hodulák (2011), pp. 53-64. International Trade – Theoretical Reflection and the Case for Free Trade (Krpec) Literature: Oatley, Thomas. (2019), pp. 80-108; Krpec, Hodulák (2011), pp. 65-88. International Trade Policy (Krpec) Literature: Oatley, Thomas. (2019), pp. 108-164; Krpec, Hodulák (2011), pp. 89-136. Transnational Corporations, Modernization, and the Problems of FDIs (Krpec) Literature: Farkas, B. (2016) "Models of capitalism in the European Union: Post-crisis perspectives." Springer, pp. 203-216; Oatley, Thomas. (2019), pp. 221-278; Krpec, Hodulák (2011), pp. 207-224. Globalization, Issues of GVCs (Krpec) Literature: Gereffi, G. (2014). "Global value chains in a post-Washington Consensus world." Review of International Political Economy, 21(1), 9-37; Krpec, Hodulák (2011), pp. 307-328. Economic Development and Dependency Issues (Krpec) Literature: Scepanovic, V. (2013), "FDI as a solution to the challenges of late development," CEU, pp. 15-23, 28-59; Gilpin, Robert (1986), pp. 263-305; Gilpin, Robert (2001) pp. 305-340; Krpec, Hodulák (2011), pp. 225-252. Hegemony as a Tool for Stabilizing the International System? (Krpec/Hodulák) Literature: Cohen, Benjamin (2008), pp. 66-79; Krasner, Stephen, "State Power and the Structure of International Trade," in Frieden, Lake, Broz (2010), pp. 23-41; Keohane, Robert (1984), pp. 136-159.
Literature
  • DE LONG, J. Bradford. Slouching towards utopia : an economic history of the twentieth century. First edition. London: Basic Books, 2022, viii, 605. ISBN 9781399803427. info
  • INGHAM, Geoffrey K. Money : ideology, history, politics. First published. Cambridge: Polity, 2020, 154 stran. ISBN 9781509526826. info
  • OATLEY, Thomas H. International political economy. Sixth edition, international. New York: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2019, xvii, 393. ISBN 9781138390348. info
  • GILPIN, Robert. Global political economy : understanding the international economic order. Edited by Jean M. Gilpin. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2001, xii, 423. ISBN 0691086761. info
  • Europe in the international economy 1500 to 2000. Edited by Derek Howard Aldcroft - Anthony Sutcliffe. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, 1999, xi, 289. ISBN 184376332X. info
Teaching methods
The course consists mainly of lectures. Students are introduced the theoretical concepts of international political economy that are subsequently supported by examples. The examples aim to motivate students to think about practical relevance of discussed concepts. The purpose of seminar papers is to develop students' ability to apply the discussed concepts to relevent problem areas.
Assessment methods
1) Exam test - about 4 questions on topics from the required literature and/or lectures. 2) Two continuous tests on the lecture blocks - closed test questions. 3) Seminar paper - its submission and acceptance is a condition for registration for the exam.
Language of instruction
Czech
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
Listed among pre-requisites of other courses
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2019, Autumn 2020, Autumn 2021, Autumn 2022, Autumn 2024.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Autumn 2023, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/autumn2023/MVZn4001