The Political Economy of Great Power Competition

Undergraduate / Graduate

In recent years, competition between great powers has once again shaped international politics and global economic activity. This discussion-based course explores how powerful states influence economic forces during periods of competition-and how economic incentives can influence the behavior of powerful states. Each week, we will discuss one theme, from trade and finance to energy and technology, and draw out its relationship to competition between leading powers. At the conclusion of this course students, will be able to analyze the role finance, energy, trade and other variables have played in historical instances of great power competition and apply those insights to contemporary academic and/or policy debates.