The world has become smaller. Markets operate in Spartan competition and states and societies face the endeavour to cope with on-going globalization. IPE addresses these marvels.
International Political Economy is a track within the Master's
degree in International Relations.
Since the 1970s, IPE has developed as an independent sub-discipline
in International Relations (IR). It focuses on the interaction
between states, markets and societies. Its primary aim is to
increase our understanding of the dynamics of these three building
blocks. In doing so, IPE is interdisciplinary by its self-same
nature.
Why is it fascinating coming to grips with a globalizing world
economy? While states cannot be conceived of as homogenous actors
that perfectly take care of the preferences of all of their
citizens, one can nevertheless reveal degrees of freedom for
negotiation about regional and international cooperation in the
fields of trade, production, finance and knowledge. It is a
scholarly exertion to reveal the complicated nexus of states,
markets and societies.
My interest in social and political issues led me to pursue the specialization International Political Economy of the Master International Relations. Specifically, the role of a changing government in its interaction with society and the private sector is something that fascinates me. This has been a focus during my studies at global and European levels. It is also something I find back in my work. This time at the local level.
An advantage of the Master's track in International Political Economy is that you can put together your own programme. The programme is interdisciplinary, which has taught me to approach issues from a legal, political and economic angle. You learn in a relatively short time to find your feet in all sorts of topics. In my case ranging from the European Union to international political economy, political power and democracy. You also have the opportunity to gain practical experience. I did an internship at the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok. Working at an Embassy gave me insight into the daily issues in international affairs and the role of various players in the field.
I currently work at Hiemstra & De Vries. This is a consultancy agency that carries out assignments in the public sector. Mostly, for municipalities and provinces, but also for health-care and educational organizations. This year, I was involved in projects with quite a diverse character. Ranging from projects with a retrenchment character to projects assisting governmental organizations with the transition of care to municipalities.
I really enjoy this job. For me, the dynamic of different projects, focus on social and political issues, and being in contact with people, is a perfect combination.
After finishing high school I took a gap year and moved to Australia and New Zealand to work and travel before starting my bachelor's in European Studies at the University of Passau. During my bachelor's, I studied Business Administration and Management in Spain for one year. In addition, I worked at the Goethe-Institute in Madrid. While pursuing a master's degree in International Political Economy, I worked in the economic affairs department at the Representation of Thuringia to the European Union in Brussels.
Feeling the need to gain more practical experiences, I decided to do a second master's placement at the Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations in New York City, which perfectly complemented my studies in Groningen. Within my course programme, I specialized in Trade, Investments, Sustainability, and European Policy-Making.
Read more about why Dominic chose to study International Political Economy in Groningen!
My name is Paul Haseloop, and currently I study International Political Economy (IPE). Previously, I did the bachelor International Relations and International Organization in Groningen, with minors in intelligence studies, religious studies and Dutch public administration. IPE offers me unique perspectives on issues such as, for example, international cooperation, trade relations, and the power of multinational corporations in shaping international policy. In addition, it helps me in analyzing the interplay between politics and economics, and the effect this has on societies, markets and states.
IPE in Groningen can be seen as a track within the master International Relations. The advanced course on IR theory contributes not only to knowledge on IR, but also helps in discussing problems found in international political economy. This connectedness of IPE and IR, in combination with the internship possibilities the UG offers, convinced me to sign up for this master. As a part of the master, I will do an internship at the Dutch embassy in Helsinki, which will definitely be an amazing experience.
In the future I will hope to spend my time working for a cause that will make the world a better place, using the skills I have acquired during my time in Groningen.
My name is Iris Staalman and I study International Relations with a Master's track in International Political Economy (IPE). I previously obtained my bachelor in Psychology, with a focus on social and cultural psychology. Curiously I was never very interested in politics when I was younger. During my bachelor however, I went on exchange to Uppsala, Sweden, and took a course in development theory and colonial legacy. Here my interest grew, particularly concerning colonial history and its effects on international politics today. Career-wise I am looking to play a role in the development of the African continent, through improving the international trade relations of its countries.
The IR master is a good programme for those with strong opinions as well as those who are still looking for their voice. Debate is constantly present in our classes and in the discipline in general. The programme highlights many different perspectives, none of which you necessarily need to agree with. This is one of the things I enjoy most in our programme, because I believe interacting with different opinions can teach you a lot more than only encountering similar-mindedness.
Due to my previous education it was necessary for me to follow the pre-master programme before starting the masters. Initially I had intended to specialise in International Security, but during the pre-masters it became clear to me that if I wanted to focus on development in ways other than foreign aid, I needed to look at international trade. Therefore I decided to specialise in IPE. This track does not merely teach you about the economic system that is in place, it also shows the various perspectives on IPE that are present, it questions the morality of it and forces you to critically think about the role the economy plays in international as well as local politics.
My name is Janna Bots and I am a 22-year-old master's student International Relations and International Organizations (IRIO) with a specialization in International Political Economy (IPE). The reason I chose this master is because I have always been interested in the relationship between politics and economics and how politics is affected by and affects the economy.
To summarize the master in three words; challenging, deepening and multidisciplinary. The master broadens your knowledge about the theories and topics related to IR and especially teaches you to think critically. The specialisation in IPE offers me the right combination of global issues seen from an economic as well as political perspective and teaches you the interconnectivity that exists between the economic realm and the political realm in International Affairs.
The reason I would recommend the master IRIO at the University of Groningen is because it gives you the possibility to broaden your knowledge and explore yourself as a researcher in IR, while at the same time spending time abroad or at a ministry, doing an internship. Besides, Groningen is a wonderful student city and the best if you want to study in the Netherlands!
Are you interested in a research oriented career? Please also check our Research Master's Programme of International Relations.