Prospectus

nl en

International Political Economy (IRO)

Course
2026-2027

Exchange students: please note that this course has content overlap with Introduction to International Political Economy and cannot be taken in combination with it

Admission requirements

Entry requirements for Exchange students: introductory course in economics at high-school or college level.

Description

International Political Economy sits at the cross-section between international economics and international politics. It allows social scientists to ask questions like who governs the global economy? How can countries cooperate on issues like trade and climate change? How can we explain the recent political backlash against globalization? This course introduces International Political Economy’s core concepts and theories. Students will learn about the political dynamics that shape the global economy’s main building blocks – international trade, monetary policy, finance, immigration, and energy. We will also discuss how the international economy influences politics at home. The course will survey the post-war history of major economic institutions, such as the international trade and monetary regime, and introduce contemporary debates. For each major topic, students will encounter a variety of theoretical approaches and learn how to evaluate them critically. We will emphasize systemic theories of international cooperation, the role of institutions and ideas, and interest group politics.

Course objectives

The objectives of this course are to:
1) Articulate generally and apply to specific cases the major theoretical approaches that explain variation in international economic policy adoption and outcomes;
2) Foster an understanding of the post-war history of international economic institutions;
3) Discuss the challenges faced by states operating in the modern economy;
4) Teach students to critically evaluate empirical evidence on the various explanations behind international economic policy outcomes.

Schedule

The timetables are available through MyTimetable (see the button in the upper right corner).

Teaching method

This course will consist of two 2-hour lectures per week.

Assessment method

Written exam.
65% Multiple Choice and 35% Short Answer/Essay.

Resit, review & feedback

The time and location of inspection and debriefing of the exam will be announced via Brightspace no later than the publication of the grades.

Reading list

This class will draw heavily on: "Thomas Oatley, International Political Economy (6th Edition)”

A syllabus with a detailed list of required and recommended readings will be made available on Brightspace.

Registration

General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website (https://www.student.universiteitleiden.nl/en/your-study-programme/courses-and-exams/enrolment/social-and-behavioural-sciences/international-relations-and-organisations-bsc?cd=international-relations-and-organisations-bsc&cf=social-and-behavioural-sciences#tab-1).

Contact

For substantive questions, contact the lecturer(s) (listed in the right information bar).  For questions about enrolment, contact the Student Services Centre: ssc@leiden.edu.