Course Outline

This course will examine the relevance or the contradiction between economic integration, globalization and geostrategic ambitions of major states of the world. The perspective from which to examine this relationship is the triptych society-economy-politics as an interrelated whole. We will look at what is globalization and its relationship to economic integration. Beyond the historical background and comparisons, we should focus on governments (which options are limited by international agreements and commitments undertaken by their counties’ memberships to international organizations), societies (eventually subjects and possibly somehow principals on the way to globalization) and the consequences of their decisions on the economy. So you should look at the role and evolution of the state, in relation to social fluidity, social values and priorities, education and culture, the relationship between man and the natural environment, and the capitalist economic system. In the last section after a brief historical reference in Geopolitics, we will refer specifically to geostrategic objectives from specific countries which wish to play an important role in global political-military-diplomatic and economic scene. We will see the importance and the potential financial implications of these moves.

Learning Outcomes

The goal of this course is practicing rational thinking beyond economics.
This teaches us that economic science looks like a picture of a playground when it's sunny and not windy, and the kids come to play and socialize together. Things are not so when those who have the power (military, diplomatic, economic, political, cultural) are not satisfied. This also implies that scientific thought might be endogenous, that is it can be occasionally used to change the frame, or highlight trivial issues. Organizing society, the state, influence the masses, international relations and geopolitics are also examined.

Evaluation Test

Written examination at the end of the semester.
The students must prove that he has read and understood the course material.A key element is the option that will show to properly use scientific terminology when formulating his thought.