Sustainable Globalization [Fall 2024]

Economic globalization manifests itself in an increase in the market share of multinational companies as well as in an increase in international trade, international financial capital flows and international labor migration. While potentially supporting long-run growth, it is important to examine whether these patterns threaten economic and political sustainability. For instance, does import competition adversely affect labor market outcomes and health in advanced economies? Does an increase in market shares of multinational firms lead to declining shares of the economy’s income for workers? Does international immigration lead to more crime, lower income of natives, and/or higher housing costs? How are attitudes towards redistribution linked to beliefs about immigrants? Which policies improve employment rates and job stability of immigrants? How much wealth lies in tax havens and how much profits are shifted to them?

Moreover, climate change caused by economic activity is a global threat to environmental sustainability. We thus want to know the socially optimal extent to which economic activity should be discouraged.

The first goal of the seminar is to get insights about appropriate methods to scientifically address these research questions. A solid understanding of multivariate regression analysis is strongly recommended. Second, we aim to a deeper understanding of the economic and political challenges for maintaining or restoring sustainability in a globalized world.

Seminar participants give presentations on basis of a selection of recent literature. The grade will be given on basis of continued evaluation during the course. This includes seminar presentations and active participation in the classroom. The seminar is in English.

The overview on the course and papers will take place on September 18. On October 2, seminar participants give two short presentations (2-5 minutes) on two papers of choice to indicate their motivation and preference for a topic. One of these two papers will then be assigned for a longer presentation (net time 45-60 minutes) in November 6, 13, 20. (November 27 is a reserve date.)

Attendance is obligatory at all dates! The only acceptable reasons for absence are illness (certificate needed) or exams of any kind in other courses (120 minutes absence at maximum). Unexcused absence in any part of the course will lead to failure (grade 1.0). Absence must be announced in advance, except in cases of emergency or illness.