Globalisation and the World Economy (ECON20007)

This subject uses economic theory to analyse globalisation in the world economy. First, it introduces fundamental theories of trade in international economics, and shows how economists see the process of globalisation. It then uses those theories to analyse major events and trends in the politics and history of the world economy’s evolution, including the industrial revolution, the Bretton Woods era, the rise and fall of Stalinist economies, and crises including the Asian currency crisis and the Global Financial Crisis. Finally, it focuses on political economy and contemporary issues in globalisation, including poverty and inequality, the environment, security, and the role of institutions. Note that in Semester 1, this subject is offered only online as part of the U21 Certificate in Global Issues – a multidisciplinary program offered jointly by the Universities of British Columbia, Hong Kong, Melbourne, and Nottingham. It gives global context to undergraduate degrees through online learning and student exchange. While this version of the subject can be taken as part of the standard University of Melbourne degree sequence, students intending to do so should contact the subject coordinator.