University of Glasgow - Schools - School of Social & Political Sciences - Research - Research in Politics & International Relations - Research clusters

Political Economy

The Global Political Economy Research Network (GPERN) is a network of Glasgow based scholars committed to tackling global challenges through the lens of political economy. Political economy examines the links between states and markets. It conceives economic policies as the outcomes of political struggle of domestic interests and global forces, while at the same time acknowledging that political processes are influenced by economic power. Among the core activities of the network is the monthly research seminar series in which members present their ongoing work. The Global Political Economy Research Network is open to anyone with a research interest in political economy.

Staff Members

Our over 70 members are from all social sciences, including economics, education, geography, history, law, management, politics and international studies, public policy, sociology, and urban studies. Membership is open to everyone and we particularly welcome early career researchers and scholars from underrepresented groups. We are committed to mutual support, inter-disciplinary exchange, and promoting research excellence.

Convenor: Bernhard Reinsberg (Politics & International Relations)

Areas of expertise

In light of a recent wave of global crises, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the global debt crisis and the Russia-Ukraine war, political economy has become the main analytical framework to analyze whether, why, and how political actors respond to societal challenges and their transnational dimensions. Our network combines a wealth of expertise in political economy from multiple disciplines, helping to meet the growing demand for political economy training from students, journalists, and the wider public.

Our areas of expertise include (among others):

Climate change and sustainability
Cooperation, international institutions, and governance
Conflict, peace, and security
Finance and development
Migration and remittances
Regulation and industrial policy
Trade and investment
Urban planning and public policy

Events

GPERN hosts a range of formats tailored to the needs of its members:

Research seminars: Colleagues present a full paper (7 minutes), followed by feedback from a pre-assigned discussant (3 minutes) and general Q&A
Dataset introduction: Colleagues present a dataset for which they seek collaboration from other researchers
Research challenge: Colleagues present an initial research idea and collect feedback and further ideas and identify collaborators
Mock interview: An opportunity especially for early career researchers (ECRs) to present a paper (15 minutes) followed by Q&A from a mock interview panel

Past events

7 November 2022