Unit I - An introduction to
International Economics
(IE)
Day and Date: Thursday, July 24,’08
Unit Highlights…
• Meaning
• Significance
• Scope
• Composition of IE –
Trade theory
Trade policy and
International finance/Open economy
macroeconomics
Text book reference chapters…
International Economics by Dominick
Salvatore – Chapter 1
International Economics by Francis
Cherunilam – Chapter 1
What is IE?
International economics describes and
predicts PRODUCTION, TRADE, and
INVESTMENT across countries.
What is IE?
The study of ECONOMIC INTERACTIONS
among countries -- including trade,
investment, financial transactions, and
movement of people -- and the POLICIES
and INSTITUTIONS that influence them.
Why study IE?
Trends towards ever-increasing openness-
Liberalization and Globalization
Rapid integration of international economic
markets – new opportunities, new challenges
Revolution in ICT
Scope of IE
• Trade
• Globalization and regional integration
• Comparative economic policy
• International political economy –international
organizations and policy cooperation
• Monetary and real/technological dynamics in
open economies
• Migration
• International investment
• Internet commerce and regulation
Composition of the study of IE
Three aspects of IE –
1. Trade theory
2. Trade policy and
3. International finance/Open economy
macroeconomics
1. Trade theory
International trade theory helps us assimilate,
• Why nations trade?
• What are gains from trade?
• What is the pattern of trade?
2. Trade policy
Restrictions and regulations that nations
impose on the free movement of
commodities, capital, investment, and
people across borders.
3.International finance/Open economy
macroeconomics
Cross-border capital flows
To conclude…
Hallmarks of today’s world economy,
Liberalization
Integration
Innovation
You should now know…
What is IE?
Why study IE?
What is the scope of IE?
What is the composition of IE as an
academic discipline?