Dr Stephen Woolcock CBG.8.09

This course is available on the MSc in Global Politics, MSc in International Affairs (LSE and Peking University), MSc in International Political Economy, MSc in International Political Economy (LSE and Sciences Po) and MSc in International Political Economy (Research). This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

All students will be required to obtain permission from the Teacher Responsible by completing the Student Statement box on the online application form linked to course selection on LSE for you. Admission to the course is not guaranteed.  The course is primarily for students on the IPE Masters and LSE-Sciences-Po Double Degree masters.

The first term of this full unit course introduces students to the theories and analytical frameworks relating to decision- making and negotiation in international economic relations. It also covers the relevant literature on the application of theory to understanding the factors shaping international economic negotiations. There is coverage of the respective roles of the main actors, institutional settings and processes involved in domestic decision-making and international negotiation, and their interaction with each other. The course is essentially concerned with the process of international economic negotiations, which distinguishes it from other optional courses that cover more on the substance of trade, finance, money, environment, etc. No prior knowledge of economics is required to take this course.

The second term takes the form of a simulation of a relevant international negotiation.  The simulation is supported by lectures on the substance of the policy issues to be negotiated as well as negotiating techniques.  These lectures will be given by LSE staff and practitioners with direct experience of similar negotiations.  In this second term the seminar sessions will then cover discussion of the substantive policy issues as well as the simulation in working groups, delegations and plenary sessions.

10 hours of lectures and 15 hours of seminars in the MT. 12 hours of lectures, 15 hours of seminars and 4 hours of workshops in the LT.

Students on this course will have a reading week in Week 6, in line with departmental policy.

Students will be expected to produce 1 essay in the MT.

Bayne, Nicholas and Woolcock, S. The new economic diplomacy: decision-making and negotiation in international economic relations, Third edition, Ashgate, Stephen 2013.

Odell, John Negotiating the world economy  2000.

van Bergeijk Economic Diplomacy: The Issues . 2011.

Okano-Heijmans, Maaike Conceptualizing Economic Diplomacy: The Crossroads of International Relations, Economics, IPE and Diplomatic Studies 2011.

Woolcock, Stephen European Union Economic Diplomacy: the role of the EU in international economic relations, Ashgate 2013.

Exam (40%, duration: 2 hours) in the summer exam period.
Essay (40%, 3000 words) and class participation (20%) in the LT.