IDEC8019 Political Economy of Economic Reform
| Offered By | International and Development Economics Program |
|---|---|
| Academic Career | Graduate Coursework |
| Course Subject | International and Developmental Economics |
| Offered in | IDEC8019 will not be offered in 2009 |
| Unit Value | 6 units |
| Course Description |
3 contact hours per week This course provides a framework for studying the economics and politics of economic reforms. Using the Public Choice Approach of Buchannan, Tullock, and Olson, part one addresses the questions why rational, self-interested individuals in market economies would want to have a government; what governments do in market economies, and how they fulfil their roles. In so far as these rational, self-interested individuals delegate power to politicians and bureaucrats, how is the agency problem handled in parliamentary democracies (such as Australia), in one-party states (as in China and Vietnam), and in newly-established democracies (such as Indonesia and Thailand)? Part two applies the Public Choice theory developed above to understanding specific economic reforms in Australia. The case studies include financial sector reforms in the early to mid-1980s; the winding-back of industry protection throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and reform of the electricity/energy sector in the 1990s. Part three studies the political economy of economic reforms in China and Vietnam. It examines specifically the opening of the two countries to foreign direct investment, the political climate leading to the reforms, and the economic and political consequences of policies on foreign direct investment. |
| Indicative Assessment |
Essay with in-class oral presentation 25%; Final examination 75% |
| Course Classification(s) | AdvancedAdvanced courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide a deep understanding of contemporary issues; or 'second degree' and higher levels of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs. and SpecialistSpecialist courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide for the acquisition of specialist skills; or 'second degree' and higher level of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs; or knowledge associated with professional accreditation. |
| Areas of Interest | Economics |
| Programs | Master of International and Development Economics |
The information published on the Study at ANU 2009 website applies to the 2009 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2008 website.
