Political Economy of Development

GOV 94PR Subject & Catalog Number

Description

This undergraduate seminar is an introduction to the politics and political economy of development, using examples from Africa, Asia, and Latin America as our case studies. Topics include the legacies of colonial rule, state formation, state failure and conflict, democratization and democratic erosion, corruption and political accountability, the role of foreign aid, climate change, and migration. Particular emphasis is put on analyzing governance challenges through a political economy lens, paying close attention to the actors, their incentives, and resulting equilibria. Readings draw from political economy, comparative politics, and development economics. We will read a mix of seminal pieces, cutting-edge research articles, and journalistic accounts. The course puts an emphasis on research design, evaluating causal claims, and evidence-based policy solutions. 
 

The goals of the course are threefold: (1) Develop a nuanced understanding of the politics of development as well as the promises and pitfalls of proposed solutions, (2) learn practical tools for assessing the effectiveness of different interventions, and (3) to walk away with an appreciation for the complexities of development.