166-027 Australia in the World Political Economy

Note

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Usually 25 points of first year politics.

Semester

Subject Description

This subject deals with the transformation of the international political economy since World War II and its impact on Australia. This includes an introduction to the major theories of international political economy and their critiques; an examination of the breakdown of the Bretton Woods system and the emergence of multilateral regimes for finance, trade and investment. Following this, the subject examines Australia's attempts to reposition itself in the rapidly changing global economy. We will look at Australia's participation in trade negotiations and examine the effect of World Trade Organisation (WTO) disciplines on Australia. We will also look at the emerging international investment regime, including the attempt to conclude the Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI). Students who complete this subject should have an understanding of the main arguments about globalisation and have developed research skills.