INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS

Alberto Petrucci

Instructional goals

The course examines the fundamental principles of modern international economic theory and policy. Its primary objective is to develop an understanding of the behavior of key economic variables in the global economy, with particular emphasis on international trade and open-economy macroeconomics. International economic phenomena are analyzed from both theoretical and empirical perspectives, enabling students to assess their causes, dynamics, and implications. The course also explores issues related to international trade and open-economy macroeconomic policies, as well as their economic consequences, while paying close attention to the role of international institutions and the broader global governance framework.

Intended learning outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding The course will provide key theoretical tools to compare various theories of international economics and to evaluate their respective strengths and weaknesses. It offers advanced knowledge that will enable students to understand the processes, content, and consequences of different economic policies across countries and on a global scale. Applying Knowledge and Understanding Students will be able to: • Apply international trade theories to current economic situations • Examine international trade policies by comparing different approaches in Europe, the USA, and Asia • Analyze how politics and institutions shape, constrain, and enable policy-making • Understand international macroeconomic phenomena Making Judgments Students will be able to critically analyze international economic theories, public policy frameworks, and governance models, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of their scope, applications, and challenges. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to critically analyze current events and their implications for the global economy and international economic relations. Communication Skills The course will help students acquire and effectively use key terminology, concepts, and analytical frameworks to communicate their ideas, proposals, analyses, and critical reasoning. These skills will be developed through individual participation, class discussions, simulations, as well as individual and class solution of problem-sets. Learning Skills This course will empower students by providing them with the analytical tools necessary to assess the benefits and challenges of different policy approaches and evaluate the impact of current events on international economics. Students will develop the capacity for independent learning, critical thinking, and evidence-based decision-making.

Course Contents

INTERNATIONAL TRADE THEORY Interindustry trade: Ricardo, Samuelson-Ricardo-Viner and Heckscher–Ohlin models Intraindustry trade: The Krugman model Firms in the global economy: Export decisions, outsourcing, and multinational enterprises International trade policy and the instruments of commercial policy OPEN-ECONOMY MACROECONOMICS The balance of payments, foreign exchange markets, and exchange rates Short-run output and foreign exchange interventions with fixed exchange rates Output and exchange rates in the short run Stabilization policies under different exchange rate regimes The International Monetary System Financial globalization Theory of optimum currency areas and the Euro

Reference Books

Krugman P., Obstfeld M. and M. Melitz, International Economics, Theory and Policy (Pearson, last edition) or Feenstra R.C. and A. M. Taylor, International Economics, (Macmillan International, last edition) Reading lists and notes will be provided during the course

Teaching Methods

Lectures, class discussions and solution of problem sets.

Assessment Method

Assessment will consist of a final written examination and a final oral examination.

Thesis assignment criteria

Instructor’s approval of the final dissertation proposal is required.

Week 1

International Economics: An introduction. International trade theory and policy. World trade: An overview. Technology and comparative advantages: The Ricardian model

Week 2

The pattern of international specialization in the Ricardian model. The specific factors model, income distribution and trade

Week 3

International labor mobility. The Heckscher-Ohlin model Movement of labor and capital between countries

Week 4

Increasing returns to scale and monopolistic competition: The Krugman model. International trade, economic growth and development

Week 5

The instruments of trade policy. Trade restrictions: import tariffs and quotas. Nontariff trade barriers and the political economy of protectionism

Week 6

International trade agreements and the World Trade Organization. Controversies in trade policy

Week 7

Open-economy macroeconomics National income accounting and the balance of payments. Exchange rates and the foreign exchange market

Week 8

The Mundell-Fleming model with flexible exchange rates

Week 9

Output, exchange rates and macroeconomic policies in the short run The Mundell-Fleming model with fixed exchange rates

Week 10

Output, foreign exchange interventions and macroeconomic policies in the short run. Price levels and the exchange rate in the medium/long run The monetary approach to the balance of payments

Week 11

Fixed versus floating exchange rate regimes. The International Monetary Systems Gains from financial globalization.

Week 12

Exchange rate crises: How pegs work and how they break. Optimum currency areas and the Euro