AYC0418/3 - Globalization and the International Political Economy
Time
21.02.2026 - 02.05.2026
Registration deadline
08.02.2026
Place
Tallinna Ülikool, Narva mnt 29
Volume
52 academic hours (contact study 25 hours, independent study 27 hours)
brief description
Do you want to understand how money works in our world? Why are some countries rich and some struggle to develop? How did the international financial system emerge and who rules it? In this course, we will study the intersection between politics and the economy to understand how our globalized world economy came to be and who shaped it. We will explore who supports the current order and who challenges it, as well as gain the tools to have an informed discussion about the future of our world.
Target group
Gymnasium and Vocational school students
Objective
To acquire the basic concepts of globalization and the main theoretical perspectives in international political economy (IPE).
Content
A historical overview of the development of current paradigms of international political economy (IPE), focusing on developments in the global world economy. Discussions of contemporary issues, understanding of IPE and current trends and alternatives. Globalization, international relations, economics, world politics, global governance
Learning outcomes
The student who has finished the course understands the main trends in globalization literature and the development of the modern world economy,
is familiar with the main theories in International Political Economy and how they are applied to globalization studies,
is aware of current international financial governance structures and the development of alternatives to their dominant position,
is prepared for future studies in governance and political science, is able to participate in discussions about international politics and finance.
Requirements
Belonging to the target group. Necessary knowledge of the English language for the classes and reading materials, level B2
Teacher's competencies
vähemalt magistrikraad
Graduation requirements
To complete the course, the learner:
* Completes course readings independently and contributes to class discussion on that basis,
* Attends and participates in 20 academic hours of the class meetings,
* Achieves a minimum result of 50% on each course assignment (an in-class presentation and a final essay, 3-4 pages) and delivers them on time through Moodle.
Document issued upon course completion
TLÜ tunnistus
Teachers
Victor Jimenez Rivera, TLU Junior Research Fellow, lecturer
Course price
55 EUR (participant, VAT won't be added to the price)
The course is facilitated with support from the Ministry of Education and Science
Organiser
Training and Conference Centre, Kaia Ljaš, 6409369, kaia.ljash@tlu.ee
Minimum number of participants
8
SCHEDULE
| time | topic | teacher + facility | room | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21.02.2026 | 11:00-15:15 | Introduction: Globalization and its Discontents. Overview of the course structure and assignments; introduction to key concepts in globalization studies and overview of the main issues in contemporary globalization research; introduction to International Political Economy: What is IPE? How do we use it to study globalization? | Victor Jimenez Rivera | M133 |
| 14.03.2026 | 11:00-15:15 | Theories in International Political Economy. IPE as a discipline in social science and international relations, overview of the main IPE theories: liberalism, mercantilism, marxism, dependency theory; theories of development, stability, and interdependence. | Victor Jimenez Rivera | M133 |
| 28.03.2026 | 11:00-15:15 | The History of Global Capitalism: How Did We Get Here? Historical overview of the development of the globalized capitalist economy, tracing the development of early capitalism; European colonial expansion; forceful integration of the global South into the liberal world order; drain and unequal relations in the postcolonial setting. | Victor Jimenez Rivera | M133 |
| 11.04.2026 | 11:00-15:15 | Bretton Woods and the Modern World Economy. Overview of the modern financial system, Bretton Woods institutions and their governance system, the USD and its exorbitant privilege, OPEC and the petrodollar; historical overview of the development of modern institutions throughout the Cold War; overview of present-day advocacy and criticism for the US-led unipolar world system. | Victor Jimenez Rivera | M133 |
| 02.05.2026 | 11:00-15:15 | BRICS, De-Dollarization and Alternative Governance Structures, Climate Change. Overview of the main alternatives to the US-led Bretton Woods system: BRICS and the push for de-dollarization; alternatives in global finance (BRI, AIIB, NDB); the Russo-Ukrainian War and its implications for global finance (speeding up the development of alternatives, rise of de-dollarization); the challenges presented by climate change. | Victor Jimenez Rivera | M133 |