IR429     
Economic Diplomacy

This information is for the 2020/21 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Stephen Woolcock CBG.8.09

Availability

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, due to limited space.  The course is primarily for students on the IPE Masters and LSE-Sciences-Po Double Degree masters.

Course content

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 application of these theories and analysis to cases in economic diplomacy. 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. 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.

 

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.  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.

Teaching

This course is delivered through a combination of seminars and lectures totalling a minimum of 40 hours across Michaelmas and Lent Term. This year, some or all of this teaching will be delivered through a combination of online lectures and in-person classes/classes delivered online. Students on this course will have a reading week in Week 6, in line with departmental policy.

Formative coursework

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

Indicative reading

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.

Assessment

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

Important information in response to COVID-19

Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.

Key facts

Department: International Relations

Total students 2019/20: 59

Average class size 2019/20: 15

Controlled access 2019/20: Yes

Value: One Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Leadership
  • Team working
  • Problem solving
  • Communication
  • Commercial awareness