The Chair of Political Economy offers a Bachelor seminar on "The Economics of Political Instability" in the upcoming winter term 2021/22. In this course, we will study the concept of political instability from an economic perspective. We do so by focusing on economic theories that explain political instability and regime change as well as on theories that explain how political instability affects (and is affected) by the economy. We will apply these theories to understand recent major political events (i.e. terrorism, Arab Spring etc.). Furthermore, we study how these theories are put to test in empirical work.

Assignment: Students will conduct an own mini-research project with an empirical application to one of the topics covered. Grading is based on a term paper and oral presentation of the results of this project.

The course consists of two parts, which take place in two blocks in November (02.11.-11.11.2021) and January (18.01.-20.01.2022). Between these two parts, students work on their research project and complete the term paper. For the detailed time schedule and more information on the course and the topics, please see the information provided on the LÖP webpage ( https://www.wiwi.uni-muenster.de/loep/de/node/163) and HIS-LSF.

The course is open to students in the FB4 interdisciplinary Bachelor programs as well as to Bachelor students in the economics program. Prior knowledge in introductory econometrics is required. Prior knowledge in Political Economy, Public Choice Theory and/or Law & Economics is recommended. Students who have successfully applied for this seminar will receive an e-mail with information on how to sign in for the Learnweb course.

The course will be conducted jointly with Dr. Richard Jong-A-Pin from the University of Groningen.

In case of questions, please contact lena.gerling@uni-muenster.de

The course language is English.

Please enroll for this course (“CIW-Seminar”) by using the form provided on the CIW webpage. The enrollment deadline is September 15, 2021. In case of questions regarding the enrollment process, please contact Clementine Kessler in the CIW secretary. If you have organizational questions, please reach out to Lena Gerling.