Global Political Economy

MGDI60072 Global Political Economy 15 Semester 2 Postgraduate Taught Level 7 Shamel Azmeh Unit coordinator Global Development Institute 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 7.5 The aim of this course is to illuminate and critically evaluate various perspectives on global political economy and the insights these provide into development possibilities, constraints and outcomes. Within a historical context the course reviews the way our global political and economic architecture has been formed, how it operates today, and how it might be influenced. Students will be able to develop an appreciation of several conceptual approaches and be exposed to key debates and significant trends. The course will cover conventional and critical theories of global political economy, globalisation and the state. Specific topics such as the global agricultural and natural resource complexes, global institutions, and the rise of China are examined within the context of changing dynamics of globalisation and the shifting contours of today’s global economy. Where appropriate examples will be drawn from different country contexts and sectors across Africa, Asia and Latin America. The course will cover conventional and critical theories of global political economy, globalisation and the state. Specific topics relating to the global economy will be covered, such as the liberal global order and its current crisis, the changing role of the state in capitalism and development, and the transition to renewable energy systems. These will be examined within the context of changing dynamics of globalisation and the shifting contours of today’s global economy. Where appropriate examples will be drawn from different country contexts and sectors across Africa, Asia and Latin America.  The aim of this course is to examine different approaches to global political economy, processes of globalisation and the changing role of nation states and civil society in this context. Students will be able to develop an appreciation of different conceptual approaches and be exposed to key debates and significant trends.   ILOs build key skills for researching and writing the MSc dissertation, particularly KU3, KU3, PS1 and PS2.  KU1, KU2, KU3, IS1 and IS2 will help students acquire knowledge and analytical skills which will be useful for specialist careers in global development, policy formation, civil society organisations, and political and economic consultancy.  TS1, PS2, PS1, IS3 and IS2 relate to developing a broad skills base in analysis, critical appraisal, reasoning, evidence gathering, and written and oral presentational skills, as well as planning, working to deadlines, and working independently and as part of teams.   <ul><li>Explain key conceptual approaches, empirical trends, and critical issues in global political economy from a development perspective.</li><li>Compare and contrast major theoretical and analytical debates concerning the relationship between the global political economy and constraints and opportunities for development.  </li><li>Critically evaluate empirical data, case studies, and official reports on global political economy with reference to specific issues such as the green energy transition and geopolitics.</li></ul>  <ul><li>Analyse different paradigmatic approaches to understanding the global economy and the changing dynamics of production, trade, finance, and geopolitics.</li><li>Critically assess and compare a variety of analytical perspectives that underpin policy debates over global political economy, production, trade, finance, and geopolitics.</li><li>Apply different conceptual perspectives to analysis of the issues across diverse sectors (including extractive industries, agribusiness and manufacture) in different development contexts (including in Asia, Africa and Latin America)</li></ul>    <ul><li>Construct well-reasoned, evidence-based arguments in written and oral formats on topics related to global political economy</li><li>Analyse policy debates and interventions in global political economy with reference to production, trade, finance, and geopolitics, using relevant theoretical and empirical tools.</li></ul>  Apply research skills by developing reasoned arguments, gathering,  organising, and using evidence from a variety of scholarly, policy, and media sources  in both written  and verbal communication.  1.    Introduction to Global Political Economy and Development2.    Theories of global development and change3.    Financialisation4.    The global governance of development5.    Structural transformation- industrialisation and urbanisation6.    The ‘curse’ of natural resources7.    Infrastructure-led development  8.    Energy transition9.    The globalisation of China(Lectures subject to change)  This unit draws on a range of teaching and learning strategies, including lectures, seminar discussions, group presentations and independent learning by students. Most two hour sessions will be predominantly lecture based. Questions and student participation are encouraged and welcomed. Seminars will involve guided discussion around selected questions and texts and group student presentations of different case studies prepared during the course.  Students are expected to have completed the required readings for each session.The Slido website is used in lectures as a means of allowing students to ask questions anonymously, as well as leave feedback and request terms to be added to glossary.    2 Written assignment (inc essay) 50% 7 Oral assessment/presentation 50% <ul><li>Book Review (1,500 words)</li><li>Group Screencast (30 minutes)</li></ul> During unit via VLE, individual in person feedback also offered MSc Global Development MSc Global Development PGDT Taught Component Optional MSc Global Development MSc Global Development PGDT Taught Component Optional Y Hannah, E., and Ravenhill, J. (Ed.). (2024). Global Political Economy. Oxford University Press.(Seventh Edition).Williams, M. and O’Brien, R. (2024). Global Political Economy: Evolution and dynamics. Bloomsbury.  Hung, H. F. (2022). Clash of Empires: from 'Chimerica' to the 'New Cold War'. Cambridge University Press.Alami, I., & Dixon, A. D. (2024). The Spectre of State Capitalism. Oxford University Press.Thompson, H. (2022). Disorder: Hard times in the 21st century. Oxford University Press.Tooze, A. (2018). Crashed: How a Decade of Financial Crises Changed the World. Viking.  Beckert, S. (2025). Capitalism: A Global History. PengiunKohli, A. (2019). Imperialism and the Developing World: How Britain and the United States shaped the global periphery. Oxford University Press.Roos, J. E. (2019). Why not default?: The political economy of sovereign debt. Princeton University Press.Pistor, K. (2019). The Code of Capital: How the law creates wealth and inequality. Princeton University Press.  Polanyi, K. (2002 [1944]). The Great Transformation.  Arrighi. G. (2010 [1994]) The Long Twentieth Century. VersoPomeranz, K. (2009). The Great Divergence: China, Europe, and the making of the modern world economy. Princeton University Press.Riofrancos, T. (2025). Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism. WW Norton & Company.Arboleda, M. (2020). Planetary Mine: Territories of extraction under late capit  Lectures 18 Practical classes & workshops 1.5 Tutorials 8 0 122.5 Information GDI Programmes on which course unit is offered: MSc ID (co), MSc ID: ECCD, MSc ID: GTI, MSc ID: PGDP