166-027 Australia in the World Political Economy

Formerly available as 166-231/331. Students who have completed 166-231 or 166-331 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Usually 25 points of first-year politics or admission to the Bachelor of Public Policy and Management.

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 position 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.