Global economic, development and trade governance
Thus far, we have examined in general the roles that global intergovernmental organisations play in global governance. This week, we examine economic and trade relations, specific issue areas in which global governance (in a variety of forms) has become both extensive, arguably necessary, and yet not without controversy. This topic is huge, so don’t feel you need to cover all aspects of it (you can’t). Instead, try to reflect back on some of the relevant issues relating to globalization that we have discussed on the course so far.
By the end of this week students should be able to:
• Define and outline an understanding of some of the key organisations involved in the governance of economic, trade and development relations between states and peoples;
• Apply this knowledge to real world processes and events;
• Think critically about these issues through the application of theoretical knowledge.
Essential Reading:
Thomas G. Weiss and Rorden Wilkinson (2018) International Organization and Global Governance, read the following: chapters 42, 43, 44, then 20 and 21. You may also like to read chapters 46, 47, 48, and 50 if you have time (or when it comes time to write your assessed work).
Task for the Week:
• Critically assess the role of one of the main global economic, development or trade institutions (the IMF, World Bank, and World Trade Organisation, respectively) in governing the global political economy.
You don’t have many words to cover this topic with, so focus on the issue of governance, and not so much on a description of the institutions.
