The course aims at providing the basic theoretical instruments for the comprehension of the historical and ongoing processes of globalization in a "global political economy" perspective that combines theory, history, and contemporary issues and debates, allowing students to understand the current discussion about globalization and the main paradigms and orientations as regards international cooperation. The main focus is on how the policies of autonomous nations and regions interact at the international level in a globalized economy and on the desirability of a global economic order (and related institutions) able to enhance the policy space available to member countries (and emerging economies in particular).