Trade and Investment in the Global South
one-way Exclusions
Lecture, tutorial, and private study
Please note that course information listed in the Arts and Science Course Calendar supersedes any information listed on the Global Development Studies website.
For the most current course offerings, registered 91TV’s students should consult .
Course Description
The future of globalization is highly uncertain. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the fragility of global supply chains. The rise of mercantilist policies has also brought the rules-based order for trade into crisis. In this course, students will examine this shifting landscape and what it means for global development. Students will learn about the World Trade Organization and key regional trade and investment agreements. Students will also assess alternatives to the current system, with a focus on fair trade. Finally, we will explore wildlife trade and how trade affects climate change.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the competing theories about the potential benefits and negative impacts of “free” trade and foreign investment on development and the environment.
- Explain how international trade and investment agreements can constrain the policy space of governments and pose obstacles to communities struggling for social and environmental justice.
- Be familiar with proposed reforms and more radical alternatives to the current trade and investment system, including an appreciation of the fair trade movement and its limitations.
- Engage with both academic literature (across several disciplines) and policy documents on these topics carefully and critically.
- Be confident in communicating on these topics through formal presentations and group discussions.