ECONOMIC GLOBALIZATION IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE - 190004

The course introduces students to the evolution of the global economy since the mid-19th century and aims to respond to the challenges posed by global history, highlighting, throughout the economic events of contemporary history, the interconnections and dynamics of this remarkable expansion. It identifies the factors that have led to processes reinforcing inequalities in development opportunities faced by the contemporary world.

The course is organized chronologically and covers three main periods:

1. The first liberal era until 1914;
2. The interwar period and the disintegration of the global economy (1914-1939);
3. The period following World War II and the integration of the global economy.

For each period, the course examines the key features of trade and trade policy, the payment system and monetary regime, and movements of capital and people.

Additionally, the course discusses its impact on democracy, the nation-state, international institutions, inequalities, and global convergence.

Main topics:

• Introduction to the course and definition of globalization.
• Europe and the global economy in the 19th century: the first divergence.
• The first globalization (1870-1914): migration, capital, and trade.
• The end of the global liberal economy and the Great Depression (1914-1939).
• The Bretton Woods system and European reconstruction (1944-1973).
• The end of Bretton Woods and the second globalization (1973-2020).
• International organizations and the global economy."