Cursos / 1º Ciclo / Faculty of Law :: International Relations

ECONOMIA MUNDIAL E COMÉRCIO EXTERNO - 2025/2026

2º curricular year
Semestralidade: 2nd semester
ECTS: 6

Teachers

Leading Teacher: Prof. Doutor Tiago André Lopes
Assistant Professor: Prof. Doutor Tiago André Lopes

Class type and School hours

Orientação Tutorial : 1 Horas
Teórico-prática : 2 Horas

Teaching Language

Portuguese

Main Aims/Objectives

The course aims to equip students with tools that enable them to understand and analyze the World Economy and Foreign Trade, as an integral and structural part of the functioning of International Relations. The course seeks to expose students to complementary areas of knowledge, in order to provide them with a holistic view of the International Relations system.

Specific Aims/Objectives

The course aims to expose students to the scientific fields of Political Economy, Global Economy, and Foreign Trade. The purpose of the curricular unit is to empower students in areas of scientific knowledge (scientific terminology and operationalization of concepts) that, while not core to the study of International Relations, are essential for a good understanding of the contemporary international system.

Skills to be acquired

At the end of the semester, the student should be able to: 1.) Understand the historical and operational evolution of World Economy and Foreign Trade; 2.) Analyze the dynamics of World Economy, particularly concerning Development, Inequality, and Structural Asymmetries; 3.) Understand the functioning of Foreign Trade as a permanent mechanism of interaction between stakeholders; 4.) Reflect on the new challenges of the World Economy and Foreign Trade.

Teaching Procedures

The course will consist of expository classes, particularly in theoretical-practical classes. Active learning dynamics, such as ´think-pair-share´ and ´problem-based learning´, will be gradually introduced in tutorial guidance classes, in order to turn the acquired knowledge into professional conceptual tools.

Programme

1. Introduction to the Study of the World Economy
1.1. History of Globalization Waves
1.2. Theory of Political Economy
1.3. Identity and Consumption; Economic Nationalism

2. World Economy
2.1. Theories of Development
2.2. Global Inequality
2.3. Structures of the World Economy

3. Foreign Trade
3.1. Free Trade vs. Economic Protectionism
3.2. Trade Cooperation vs. Trade Competition
3.3. International Monetary System

4. Challenges of the World Economy and Foreign Trade
4.1. Security (Traditional Security and Human Security)
4.2. Environment (Climate Change)
4.3. Health (Global Public Health and Pandemics)

Evaluation Type

The assessment system is carried out in accordance with the rules defined in the General Regulations for Knowledge Assessment of Lusíada Universities. In this sense, continuous assessment is taken into account, namely attendance, participation, completion of two mid-term assessment tests and research work.

Teaching Resources

Power points provided by the instructor; relevant online resources; scientific readings, in digital and paper formats, previously selected by the instructor.

Sustainability Objectives

SDG 4. To provide an inclusive and high-quality education that improves the standard of living of students and the future of the community.
SDG 16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

Keywords

International Economy; Development; Inequality; Sustainability; Foreign Trade

Main Bibliography

Complementary Bibliography