ECON4428

London is a “global city” and has evolved from being a city of merchandise trade to being one of the premier financial services centers of the world. We explore the role of financial services, merchandise trade, trade policy, immigrant populations and cultures, and other events in the evolution of modern London. Globalization, the interactions and interdependencies between the city of London and the rest of the world are researched and explored through course work and numerous site visits.

This course will involve the study of the history of international trade and the effects of Brexit on London and will take place in London. In addition, because of its history as a center for trade and development over the last several hundred years, and because of the current Brexit negotiations between UK and EU countries, London is an ideal location for experiential learning for global perspectives in this seminar.

The city is also at the leading edge of environmental stewardship and has a net zero carbon target by 2030. In order to achieve deep decarbonization, the city has implemented a multipronged approach that includes behavioral incentives for residents and industries, improved efficiency standards, alternative fuels, wide-scale electrification, and embracing the clean energy transition. We will explore these drivers to understand the transformation London is going through to get to a net zero future.

Class discussions and assignments will include the role of ethics and equity in trade policies. Are trade policy changes intended to increase overall country welfare or do they increase welfare of certain groups over others? Through comparative welfare analysis, students are expected to come up with recommendations to improve the well-being of all individuals in the country.

We will discuss the race relations in London, the history of different peoples as they moved into London—the people from the Caribbean, from India in the 1950s and 1960s, Indians from African countries like Nigeria during Idi Amin’s rule, Bangladesh, the Jewish people after World War II. Student discussion will also focus on current race relations, inequities, and the effects of protests after the death of George Floyd.