Political Economy of Development Policy: Theory and Practice (EIB-E244)

Fall 2025 · EIB E244 · Tufts University · 3 credits · Undergraduate

Combines economic and political perspectives to develop an interdisciplinary understanding of selected topics in economic development. Each session addresses a particular question that arises as policymakers contend with the dynamic interplay between economics and politics as competing influences on policy choice. How can it be rational for policymakers to adopt policies that harm a majority of their own citizens? In what ways do institutions shape the development process? How does history shape the evolution of institutions? Do elections lead to better or worse policy choices? Does democracy benefit the poor and promote economic growth? Comprehensive answers to these types of questions require a political economy perspective -- one that combines an understanding of the underlying economics with consideration of the interests and political influence of various stakeholders and pressure groups. In addition, a central goal of this seminar is to bridge the gap between theory and practice by providing tools for incorporating political economy perspectives into development policy analysis.

Course codes: EIB-E244

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