Topics in International Trade: The Global South in a Fragmenting World (Graduate Seminar)
Weeks 1–2: Trade in a Fragmenting World
Deglobalization, uncertainty, Global South vulnerabilities.
Readings: Rodrik; UNCTAD (2025)
Weeks 3–4: Trade Wars & Tariffs
US–China escalation, spillovers to emerging economies.
Readings: Antràs & Chor; PIIE
Weeks 5–6: Supply Chains & GVC Upgrading
Near-shoring, South–South value chains.
Readings: Baldwin; WTO
Weeks 7–8: Climate & Trade (CBAM, Green Subsidies)
Impact on Global South exporters.
Readings: IMF WEO; EU CBAM
Weeks 10–11: Digital Trade & Technology
AI, robotics, premature deindustrialization.
Readings: Meltzer; OECD
Weeks 12–13: Trade, Inequality & Poverty
Micro-evidence from shocks (China, gender gaps).
Weeks 14–15: Multipolar Trade Policy
AfCFTA, RCEP, BRICS, WTO paralysis. Student policy simulations.
Econ 340: International Trade (Undergraduate
Core Course)
Weeks 1–2: Introduction to Trade
Ricardian Model, technology differences, comparative advantage.
Key Readings: Krugman, Obstfeld & Melitz, Ch. 3
Activities: Problem sets, lecture on comparative advantage.
Weeks 3–4: Heckscher–Ohlin Model
Factor endowments, factor price equalization, Leontief paradox.
Key Readings: Krugman, Obstfeld & Melitz, Ch. 5
Weeks 5–6: Specific Factors Model & Extensions
Trade and income distribution; model derivations.
Key Readings: Krugman, Obstfeld & Melitz, Ch. 4
Prep: Midterm review.
Week 7: Midterm Exam
In-class or take-home; focus on model applications.
Weeks 8–10: Trade Policy
Tariffs, quotas, subsidies; welfare effects; case studies (U.S. steel tariffs).
Key Readings: Krugman, Obstfeld & Melitz, Ch. 9
Weeks 11–12: Non-Tariff Barriers & Trade Agreements
WTO basics, gravity model introduction, NAFTA/USMCA.
Key Readings: Krugman, Obstfeld & Melitz, Ch. 2, 10, 12
Weeks 13–14: Empirical Methods & Applications
Trade data (Comtrade), policy analysis.
Final Assignment: Short research paper on a policy issue.
Week 15: Review & Final Exam
Comprehensive review session + final exam.