From the 1970s up through the recent past, globalization was the watchword of economics, with global supply chains, outsourcing of manufacturing to far-off locations with cheaper labor and just-in-time inventory. Suddenly, the pandemic, China's economic and geopolitical expansionism, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine changed all that. This four-week course will consider globalization and its discontents and look into the future of world trade, secure supply chains, and other geopolitical changes on the horizon. Is globalization dead, or will a new, modified form of production emerge that balances the advantages and dangers of the heyday of one global market, one global production cycle, and free trade?

Lectures:

1. The Rise of Globalization 1970-2000

2. China's Peaceful Rise and Age of Outsourcing

3. Doubts Arise: A New National Security for the Age of Pandemics, Wars, Sanctions, Shortages, Inflation, and Trade Blocs

4. Economics as National Security: A Look into the Future of Trade and Interdependence

"Great professor! Great and engaging lectures!" OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.