POL420H1

Globalization, Democracy and Growth

This course introduces students to recent work in the rational choice institutionalist tradition in comparative political economy. It focuses on the link between institutions and economic policy, starting with an examination of the effect on economic outcomes of specific democratic institutions, such as the separation of powers or delegation to unelected officials like central bankers. In so doing it also asks whether globalization has altered the relationship between democratic institutions and economic policy choices. Most of the readings rely on either formal models or quantitative empirics; students will therefore also acquire proficiency in the interpretation of such work.