93597 - ECONOMIA POLITICA DELL'AREA MEDITERRANEA

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide essential foundations for understanding the economies of the Mediterranean region. Topics and methodologies of applied macroeconomic analysis will be discussed to comprehend income convergence phenomena, demographic structure dynamics, labor markets, income inequalities, and poverty. By the end of the course, the student will possess theoretical and methodological tools for critically accessing the relevant literature concerning macroeconomic changes in the economies and societies of Mediterranean countries. Additionally, the student will be capable of applying the acquired knowledge to understand and interpret macroeconomic phenomena that have a long-term impact on economic development.

Course contents

The objective of the course is to provide students with knowledge of economic and trade policies and how key actors operate in the Mediterranean context. In this regard, particular attention will be given to European Union policies and how the Euro-Mediterranean partnership may change in response to ongoing political and economic changes (climate change, migration, new energy routes). By the end of the course, the student should have developed the ability to analyze how political and economic changes can interact and develop a critical approach to the responses presented by various actors in the field.

Course organization:

1 Introduction to the course

• Course objectives
• Macro-regions
• Macro-problems and macro-opportunities

2 Evolution of the European Union's Mediterranean policy (Part I)

3 Evolution of the European Union's Mediterranean policy (Part II)

4 Evolution of the European Union's Mediterranean policy (Part III)

5 Evolution of the European Union's Mediterranean policy (Part IV)

6 Evolution and involution of the Maghreb region's economy

7 The role of Egypt and Turkey

8 Israel and the Middle East

9 Economic and political influences of other powers (USA, China, and Russia)

10 Near-shoring and friend-shoring: Developments in trade policy for the Mediterranean area

11 Energy revolution: Opportunities and risks of transitioning to renewable energy for the Mediterranean area's economy

12 Italy and a new Mediterranean renaissance

 

Readings/Bibliography

Geoeconomia delle relazioni Euro-mediterranee: lo spazio dell’Italia. Ferrara, Graziella, 2017

Economia dello sviluppo e dell’integrazione euromediterranea. Laureti, Lucio, 2008

L’Europa e il Mediterraneo: profili giudici ed economici. Il Mulino, 2013

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures and seminar meetings with guest speakers in person

Assessment methods

Oral exam

Teaching tools

Lectures with main topics discussed with students. Multimedia tools

Office hours

See the website of Antonio Parenti