Economic Perspectives on Globalisation and Development: Theory, Evidence and Policy

Learning objectives

After completion of the course, students will be able to:

• evaluate applied theories regarding international trade, trade policy, and investment and stylized facts in the context of development and communicate this assessment effectively;

• describe the link between economic growth and poverty, as well as the interaction between growth and inequality;

• analyse the impact of institutions and economic reforms on long-term growth and poverty reduction;

• apply basic and advanced analytical and empirical tools of trade and investment to inform national and international development policy analysis;

• extend theories and empirics to address new and emerging topics beyond the settings already covered in the course reflecting its interdisciplinary nature.

Course description

This course will offer an in-depth exploration of Global Development Economics. Students will critically engage with foundational and contemporary theories, alongside key stylized facts, to gain a nuanced understanding of the interactions between trade, investment, remittances, development finance, and related issues within development processes. Through this exploration, students will develop the skills to effectively communicate their assessments, demonstrating a critical, interdisciplinary perspective.

The course will cover the most influential theoretical and applied tools in international trade, investment, trade growth, development assistance, the trade-gender inequality nexus and equip students with both basic and advanced analytical and empirical techniques. These tools will enable students to analyse trade flows, investment trends, trade-gender inequality, development finance and their implications for national and international development policies. Special emphasis will be placed on the practical application of these tools, ensuring that students are prepared to inform and shape evidence-based policy decisions. As part of its interdisciplinary approach, the course delves into emerging and critical topics, allowing students to extend existing theories and empirics to new challenges in global development.

By the end of the course, students will have a strong theoretical foundation, practical analytical skills, and the ability to address complex Global Development Economics questions, making them well-equipped to contribute to policymaking, research, and practice in the field of international development.