Throughout the course, we will consider how well models developed in other fields of political science or economics can be applied to international political economy. Thus the course demands substantial reading as well as participation in simulation and training exercises. There are a series of short, written assignments as well as two exams during the course. We live increasingly in a multicultural world. In both camps, multiculturalism is problematic.
Liberals give primacy to autonomous individuals, outside cultural contexts.
Communitarians stress community values, neglecting the multiplicity of cultural and religious values. The seminar explores the possibility of a multicultural democracy, beyond liberal detachment and communitarian parochialism. Some of the texts used are Charles Taylor's Multiculturalism , Bhikhu Parekh's Rethinking Multiculturalism , Iris M. Young's Inclusion and Democracy , Seyla Benhabib's Democracy and Difference , and David Held and Archibugi's Cosmopolatan Democracy . This course investigates the nexus between politics and economics in the postindustrial societies. After a brief discussion of the theoretical principles of economic liberalism, the course focuses on the impact of economic actors and conditions on politics and the political and economic consequences of the organization of the world economy along free market principles.