EUR3720

State, markets and monopoly in contemporary western Europe

Proposed to be offered next in 1999

Geoff Spenceley

8 points
* 2 hours per week
* Clayton

Objectives On completion of this subject students should understand the main political underpinnings of economic power in contemporary western Europe. They should be familiar with the influence of the state, private markets and pressure groups on this development. Students should be able to analyse these influences in particular national contexts and to research and communicate their understandings in verbal and written form.

Synopsis The main objective of the subject is to locate and analyse the development of economic power in Western Europe in recent times. The subject concentrates on the interrelationship between the state, business and finance, and the different ways in which the state and market interact. Economic power is defined in international, national and multinational terms. Particular emphasis will be given to the growing strength of German capitalism. The impact of German capitalism on the rest of Europe (including the former communist bloc countries and the EC and its regions) will be closely examined, with special emphasis given to monetary policy, industrial development, investment and trade. The subject concludes with a close assessment of the West European responses to the growing strength of the Asian economies and the collapse of the communist bloc.

Assessment Written (6000 words): 100%

Prescribed texts

Amin A and Dietrich M (eds) Towards a new Europe: Structural change in the European economy Elgar, 1991
Harrop J (ed.) The political economy of integration in the European economy Elgar, 1989
Weber M (ed.) Europe's path to monetary union Berg, 1993