1. |
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Course Introduction; Globalization of International Relations |
Discussion of course objectives and content; Introduction to International Relations and International Political Economy |
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2. |
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Globalization of International Relations (IR); Realist Theories of IR |
Continued discussion of globalization of IR; Discussion of the Realist school of IR |
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3. |
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Realism; Liberal and Social Theories of IR; International Trade |
Continued discussion of Realism; Discussion of Liberal and Social Theories of IR; International Trade |
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4. |
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International Trade; Global Finance and Business |
Continued discussion of International Trade; International Finance and Multinational Business |
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5. |
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Environment and Population |
International efforts to protect the global environment and promote sustainable development |
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6. |
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Environment and Population |
International efforts to protect the global environment and promote sustainable development |
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7. |
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Political Development, Economic Development & World Inequality |
Why are some countries rich while others are poor? What explains differing levels of socio-economic development? |
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8. |
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The Making of Prosperity and Poverty (Alternative Theoretical Explanations) |
Why are some countries rich while others are poor? What explains differing levels of socio-economic development? |
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9. |
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Extractive vs. Inclusive Political and Economic Institutions |
Institutional development and the contingent path of history |
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10. |
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Industrial Revolution |
How did the Industrial Revolution come about? What political changes preceded this economic revolution? |
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11. |
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Virtuous Circles and the Continuation of Inclusive Institutions; Vicious Circles and the Continuation of Extractive Institutions; Vicious Circle in Sierra Leone |
How are inclusive political and economic institutions maintained in the face of potential threats? Why are extractive political and economic institutions so difficult to change? |
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12. |
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Why Nations Fail Today; Examples of Zimbabwe, Uzbekistan & Egypt |
The "Iron Law of Oligarchy" and the difficulty of breaking the vicious circle |
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13. |
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Prosperity and Poverty Today; Examples of Afghanistan, Brazil & China |
How vicious circles can be broken or maintained, and the possibilities for transitioning to inclusive institutions and prosperity |
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