Comparative Economic Systems

Capitalism is not a monolithic system but varies significantly across space and time due to distinct historical, cultural, and institutional contingencies. By understanding these variances, students gain a nuanced view of capitalism beyond its liberal market-centered instantiation in the U.S. This course explores the diverse forms of capitalism and other economic systems (e.g., socialistic command economies in the former Soviet Union, the state-centric model of China, etc.) from a comparative perspective. Students will engage with key concepts in comparative political economy, institutional economics, and economic sociology. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of how politics, culture, and historical evolution shape national economic systems in the global economy.