Economics for Public Policy and Global Markets

Do headlines about global trade disputes, currency fluctuations, or government spending confuse you? Understanding the forces that shape our interconnected world and influence public welfare is crucial for informed decision-making. This course will provide you with a solid grasp of how nations interact economically and how governments influence markets. You'll gain the ability to critically assess economic news and policy debates, empowering you to make sense of complex real-world issues. What you'll learn: * Understand core theories of international trade and their real-world implications for global supply chains. * Learn the mechanics of exchange rates, balance of payments, and international financial flows. * Explore the role of government in addressing market failures and providing public goods. * Grasp fundamental concepts of taxation, government spending, and public debt. * Analyze how behavioral insights can inform the design of effective public policies. * Apply economic reasoning to interpret global economic events and domestic policy challenges. This course systematically introduces the building blocks of international economics and public finance, starting with basic definitions and progressing to their practical applications in policy analysis. Each concept is explained clearly, allowing you to build a strong theoretical foundation. This course is designed for absolute beginners with no prior knowledge of economics, eager to understand how global and public economic forces shape their world. No prerequisites are required, just a willingness to learn. Begin your journey to decode the complexities of international trade and public policy.