Introduction
This course introduces European and international trade through a combination of historical evolution, conceptual foundations, and policy challenges. It examines how trade has been conceptualized across economic and International Relations (IR) theories, from early state-centric approaches such as mercantilism to current debates about openness, interdependence, and economic security. Particular attention is given to the role of multilateral institutions, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), and to the growing importance of regionalism with a focus on the European Union (EU). Students will connect theory to practice through a case study and develop skills in analytical writing and presentation. The course also extends beyond traditional trade-related topics to include a policy component.
Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
▪ Demonstrate a good understanding of the historical evolution of trade, key schools of thought, and core trade concepts;
▪ Apply theories/concepts to explain why countries trade the way they do today;
▪ Evaluate how different ideas about trade affect real-world policy decisions and what these decisions mean for governments and businesses;
▪ Dissect the roles of the EU and WTO, weighing their strengths and weaknesses;
▪ Develop applied analytical and policy-oriented skills
Program
Methods of Instruction
Each session combines institutional and historical material with economic analysis and discussion of concrete European and international cases. Students are expected to attend the lectures, review the material presented in class and be able to connect institutional mechanisms with the broader economic questions discussed throughout the semester.
Assessment and Final Grade
In-Class Participation! 30%
Group Project (Summary & Presentation): 30%
Quiz:10%
Final Exam: 30%
Students who do not pass the course are required to take a re-sit examination and will be informed by the administration of the examination date and format at a later date.
Course Policy
Attendance and Punctuality
Students are expected to attend all classes punctually, complete required readings before class, and actively contribute to discussions and in-class activities. Participation means meaningful engagement, not mere physical presence. Any absence, arriving more than five minutes late, or leaving early without prior notice will result in a reduction of the participation grade.
Academic integrity and Plagiarism
Students are expected to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity plagiarism includes (but is not limited to) submitting work that is not your own; copying work verbatim or paraphrasing text without using proper citations and sources; reusing your own prior work without authorization (self-plagiarism); submitting another person's work as your own and presenting ideas data or analysis from any source without acknowledgment.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Per the policy within the Faculty of Social Sciences, Economics and Law, (FASSED), the use of AI tools is generally permitted unless specified in this course. However, students remain fully responsible for the content, accuracy, originality and integrity of all submitted work. They are not to be used as a substitute for your thinking, analysis or writing.
Special Accommodations
Students with disabilities may qualify for special accommodations. These provisions are designed to facilitate an equitable academic experience for students. If you believe you qualify for any accommodations, please contact the master’s degree coordinator, Yoanna Nikolova early in the semester to ensure timely arrangements.
Course Outline
Introduction
Course Overview and Rules
Assessment Criteria
Guidance on Group Project
Preliminary Discussion: What Is Trade? Concepts and History
Reading list for the following weeks
Economic/IR Theories and Concepts
Realism, Liberalism, Mercantilism
Absolute Advantage, Comparative Advantage, Tariff, Non-Tariff Barriers, Customs, FTAs, Subsidy, etc.
Multilateralism in Trade
World Trade Organization
Multilateralism and Regionalism in Trade
World Trade Organization (continued)
European Union
Further Guidance on Group Project
Presentations (Group Project)
Submission of a three-page summary
10-15 minutes per group (including Q&A)
Equal participation from all members
Theoretical and conceptual applications
No reading directly from notes
Inequality in World Trade
The Global North and South
Dependency Theory
South-South Cooperation
Quiz (In Class / One Hour)
Multiple choice & short answer questions
Practical Skills Workshop #1: Case Study Analysis
Identify and analyze the main policy problem
Explain the trade concepts and instruments used
Practical Skills Workshop #2: Writing a Policy Proposal
Identify a clear trade policy problem
Define the target audience and policy objective
Structure a short policy brief
Support recommendations with evidence and concepts
Course Wrap-Up
Career in International Affairs
Final Exam Review
Study Guide
Bibliography
Required Book
Poon, J., & Rigby, D. L. (2017). International trade: The basics. Routledge.
Recommended Books
Baylis, J., Smith, S., & Owens, P. (Eds.). (2026). The globalization of world politics: An introduction to international relations (10th ed.). Oxford University Press.
Cohn, T.H., & Hira, A. (2025). Global Political Economy: Theory and Practice (9th ed.). Routledge.
Other readings will be provided by the instructor before each class session.
Libraries
Practical information
