GV4F8 Half Unit
Institutions and Global Trade
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Prof Stephanie Rickard
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in Political Science (Conflict Studies and Comparative Politics), MSc in Political Science (Political Behaviour), MSc in Political Science (Political Science and Political Economy) and Master of Public Policy. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. This course uses controlled access as part of the course selection process.
How to apply: to apply for a place on this course, please write a short statement of 200 words (max) outlining the specific reasons for applying and how the course will benefit your academic/career goals. Priority will be given to Department of Government students, and then students on the other programmes listed in the 'availability' section of the course guide. You should check that you meet any pre-requisites in the course guide before applying (where applicable). Places on capped courses cannot be guaranteed.
Deadline for application: The deadline for applications is 12:00 noon on Friday 26 September 2025. You can expect to be informed of the outcome of your application by 12:00 noon on Monday 29 September 2025. Any places remaining after this date will be allocated based on priority and written statement - up until course selection closes.
For queries contact: gov.msc@lse.ac.uk
This course is controlled access and spaces are limited. Priority will be given to students enrolled on MSc programmes in the Department of Government.
Course content
This course examines the role interests and institutions play in global trade and countries’ trade policies. Theories from both economics and political science are used to understand how formal institutions and economic interests shape trade policies and politics. This course examines domestic political institutions, such as electoral systems, as well as international institutions, such as the World Trade Organization.
Teaching
15 hours of lectures and 15 hours of seminars in the Winter Term.
This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Winter Term.
Formative assessment
Continuous assessment weekly
Students will be asked to complete weekly writing assignments in the WT.
Indicative reading
Osgood, Iain. (2017) “The Breakdown of Industrial Opposition to Trade in World Politics.” World Politics 69(1): 184-231.
Evans, Carolyn. (2009) “A Protectionist Bias in Majoritarian Politics: An Empirical Investigations.” Economics & Politics 21(2): 278-307.
Zahrnt, Valentin. “Domestic Constituents and the Formulation of WTO Negotiating Positions: What the Delegates Say.” World Trade Review. 7.2 (2008): 393–421.
Assessment
Essay (100%, 3000 words) in Spring Term Week 1
Key facts
Department: Government
Course Study Period: Winter Term
Unit value: Half unit
FHEQ Level: Level 7
CEFR Level: Null
Keywords: Political Science, Global Trade, Trade Policy
Total students 2024/25: 15
Average class size 2024/25: 15
Controlled access 2024/25: YesCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.