The Global Movement of Wealth

Undergraduate / Graduate

This course introduces the study of contemporary global wealth movements, drawing insights from economics, sociology, geography, and public policy. We will explore the evolving architecture and geography of financialization, examining global capital flows at three levels: macro-economic trends, institutional structures, and individual actors driving capital accumulation. Key topics include China's economic rise, the growth of sovereign wealth funds, and the expansion of offshore financial centers that facilitate and obscure the global circulation of wealth. Special attention will be given to the ethical and social implications of these financial systems, particularly their role in exacerbating global inequality. By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of how financialization shapes the global economy and its impact on everyday life.