Should commodities and services flow freely between economies? Why do some theories suggest trade liberalization while others contend that restrictions might be necessary for development? How have these contending views on international trade evolved over time and under which conditions? Does international trade lead to uneven development between “Core” and “Periphery”? What can we learn from concrete examples of protectionist policies opposing the neoliberal view? Is exploitation connected with international trade and global value chains? What about the impact of trade on nature and gender? This course takes a deep dive into the political economy of international trade. It unravels the complex history, contending theories and opposing policies that have driven trade and a wide set of economic decisions for centuries. From the explorations of Classical Political Economists in the 18th and 19th century and contemporary trade theories to modern-day challenges such as climate crisis and gender inequalities, the course will make you capable of navigating the ever-changing landscape of international trade. You will not only investigate the historical roots of questions relating to trade but also engage with cutting-edge debates of the field such as neoliberalism, industrialization and the architecture of today’s globalized economy. By examining both developed and developing economies, the course will break down how trade policies influence economic development and shape global power dynamics between Global North and Global South. The course is organized in six dynamic sections [1] Pre-Classical Insights [2] Classical Political Economists on Free Trade and Protectionism [3] Mainstream and Keynesian Trade Theories [4] Structural and Radical Approaches [5] Modern Day Realities: globalization, neoliberalism, gender and nature [6] Radical Reconsideration of the Trade Regime Debate. This course is suitable for students with a solid foundation in micro and macroeconomics and basic knowledge of political economy, but don’t worry if you’re new to some concepts! If you're passionate about international trade and eager to learn, reach out to discuss catch-up plans.