Ateneo - UPO

Module 1 (L1–L5): Theoretical Foundations and Models of International Trade (Ricardo, Heckscher–Ohlin, Gravity Model, Melitz, Monopolistic Competition).
Module 2 (L6–L10): Trade Policy Instruments and the Global Architecture (Tariffs, Non-Tariff Barriers, WTO, Regionalism/Viner, FDI and Multinationals).
Module 3 (L11–L15): Global Value Chains, Digitalisation and Geoeconomics (GVCs, Reshoring/Friendshoring, Digital Trade, AI & Services, New Forms of Protectionism).
Module 4 (L16–L20): Applied Analysis and Strategic Decision-Making (Trade Analytics, Trade Wars, Pricing & Exchange Rates, Assessment of CGE/PUR Agreements, Project Work).

The reading list for the course topics handed out during the first lesson.

To understand the characteristics and dynamics of international trade and the foundations of economic globalisation.

Passing the Political Economy (Economia politica) exam

Lectures (lessons 1 to 19) and interactive teaching (project work) (lessons 20 to 22)

Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Difficulties
(SLD) or Special Educational Needs (SEN) may request specific services and resources designed for them
by contacting the Career Development and Coordination and Student Support Staff

and by consulting the dedicated page on the University website: https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-
studentesse-e-studenti-condizione-di-disabilit%C3%A0-e-dsa. Students with disabilities,

DSA or SEN, once they have made contact with the University staff, may contact the lecturer responsible
for the course regarding the arrangements for examinations and matters
relating to teaching.

Assessment of learning outcomes will be based on the final project, which will be used to assess students’ understanding of the course topics.

Lesson 1: The Ricardian Model and Comparative Advantages
Lesson 2: The Heckscher–Ohlin Model and Factor Endowments
Lesson 3: The Gravitational Model of Trade
Lesson 4: Monopolistic Competition and the New Trade Theory (Krugman)
Lesson 5: Firm Heterogeneity and the Melitz Model
Lecture 6: Duties, Tariffs and Trade Policy Instruments
Lecture 7: Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) and Regulatory Standards
Lecture 8: The WTO Architecture and Multilateral Trade Rules
Lecture 9: Regionalism, Preferential Agreements and Vinerian Trade Effects
Lecture 10: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Multinational Enterprises
Lecture 11: Global Value Chains (GVCs): Anatomy, Measurement and Governance
Lecture 12: The Reconfiguration of GVCs: Reshoring, Nearshoring, Friendshoring and Risk Management
Lecture 13: Digital Trade, Multilateral Platforms and Cross-Border Data Flows
Lecture 14: Artificial Intelligence, Automation and the Transformation of Services
Lecture 15: Contemporary Trade Policy, Geoeconomics and New Forms of Protectionism
Lecture 16: Trade Analytics and Real-World Data (Hands-on)
Lecture 17: Quantifying Trade Wars (Data and Exercises)
Lecture 18: Pricing Strategies and Exchange Rate Risk for Global Enterprises
Lecture 19: Impact Assessment of Trade Agreements (Ex-ante and Ex-post)
Lectures 20–22: Workshop / Project Work: International Expansion Strategy

An understanding of the nature and characteristics of international trade, the relevant economic literature and the interdependencies between the various forms of business internationalisation (trade, investment, value chains). The ability to apply the concepts and theories learnt. The ability to work independently (which will be assessed in the project work, alongside the aforementioned skills).