Overview

Objectives

Politics and economics are intertwined. In today’s globalised world, understanding one area and not the other makes comprehension incomplete. Analysing and drafting effective policy require knowledge of the interaction between economic and political goals.

The MSc (International Political Economy) programme provides the link between politics and economics by examining relevant theoretical, methodological and practical concepts from both disciplines. It seeks to equip students with:

• Analytical skills necessary to understand complex interactions between international politics and economics in contemporary developments
• Substantive knowledge about political economy spanning countries and regions throughout the world
• An understanding of the historical evolution of the global political economy in order to apprehend and address challenges in the contemporary period

Relevance

This programme sits at the intersection of politics and economics. Many political scientists have studied political decisions divorced from the economic context. Similarly, economists have often studied the mechanisms of the market as though the economy works without manipulation from political actors. However, these two areas cannot be regarded separately. Governments frequently intervene in markets by setting wages, prices, tax levels and so forth. On the other hand, investors sometimes flee states, markets or currencies that are following objectively sound macroeconomic policies to invest in inefficient projects elsewhere in the world.

Benefits

Students are taught to analyse the interaction between the production, distribution and use of wealth with politically driven rules and institutions in the global environment. Using real-world examples coupled with foundational political economy theories, the MSc (International Political Economy) programme offers comprehensive insights into contemporary developments in world economics and politics such as the uneven impact of globalisation on states and societies, the influence of domestic politics and political institutions on economic policies, and the on-going arguments over the formal and informal rules underpinning global governance.

Content

The MSc (International Political Economy) programme has been designed to ensure that students gain a sound understanding of:

• Theoretical and methodological issues in International Political Economy (IPE)
• Basics of economic analysis, with an emphasis on macroeconomics
• Trade, finance, economic and financial crises, and production networks
• Key political trends and developments that may affect the national or world economy and vice versa

Students are required to take two core courses. In addition, Masters students completing a dissertation must take five extra courses (three primary and two primary/electives), while those in the non-dissertation stream must take seven courses (five primary and two primary/electives).

Please note that the MSc (International Political Economy) at RSIS is not a programme in international economics. Although economic concepts are given serious consideration, the focus is mainly on political determinants and their impact on economic outcomes.

Career Advancement

Students who complete this course may look forward to jobs as analysts in research institutions, financial corporations or government. Business strategy and journalism are other possibilities.. In the government sector, some attractive options include research or policy-making positions in central banks, finance ministries or trade departments.