International Political Economy since 1945: Bargaining over Ideas and Interests

Professor Martin Daunton, History
Dr Amrita Narlikar, Centre of International  Studies

Michaelmas term 2008

This pilot course seeks to develop an integrated theoretical framework to the subfield of International Political Economy by providing an interdisciplinary lens that draws on existing analytic frameworks of historical institutionalism and negotiation analysis.  It begins with the assumption that the current economic system cannot be understood without a close analysis of the institutional bargains that underpin the system. These bargains are not one-off deals; most international institutions have formal and informal flexibility provisions that facilitate re-negotiation to adapt to new international imperatives, domestic interests and ideas. This process of re-negotiation and adaptation explains the evolution of the international economic system from the post-war years to the present day. Mainstream accounts in IPE, by focusing exclusively on political developments or historical narrative, usually miss the insights that our interdisciplinary approach promises to provide. Our entry points into this approach to the study and teaching of IPE are through frameworks of historical institutionalism and negotiation analysis. We examine –  theoretically and empirically – the intersection between international and domestic factors and the impact this intersection yields on bargains resulting in international economic institutions.

The format of the seminar will be an open lecture from 9.30-10.30 on Wednesdays in term, starting from Wednesday 15 October 2008.  The lecture will be followed by a series of seminars, 10.30 to 12pm, open to M.Phil student in History, Centre of International Studies and Politics, for which pre-registration is required.  Information about how to register for the seminar series will be posted shortly.