Overview of Course

Globalization has been widely criticized across the world. Yet, what is probably the most important promoter of globalization, international trade, has been growing for decades at high rates. What has caused such high and steady growth? This class will try to provide answers to this question by analyzing the fundamental reasons that countries have for exporting and importing goods and services. The economies of Vietnam and China, countries that will be visited during the trip, will be used as concrete examples to discuss these reasons. This class will also include explanations of the following topics: key components of the balance of payments, the consequences of trade deficits or surpluses, the key characteristics of international trade associations such as APEC, and the role of international trade organizations like the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organization.