Midterm Exam
POLS 216
You must prepare answers for both questions. Please remember a few things: 1) provide examples where possible; 2) be explicit about the theoretical lens you use to argue your point; and 3) support your argument with evidence (data, examples, specific instances that illustrate your conceptual ideas, etc.). The basic split for grading will be: 40 points for use of theory; 40 points for use of "data" to illustrate your case; and 20 points for the quality of the argument you make to answer the question.
In addition, you are allowed to bring in one page of outlined notes for use during the exam period. The “regulations” are as followed. They will be strictly enforced.
1. We have spent a lot of time examining the major international economic institutions – the IMF, the World Bank (and its original organization, the IBRD) and the World Trade Organization (WTO and its original organization, GATT). Please discuss the evolution of each of these institutions since World War II from one of the three main theoretical perspectives we have used throughout the course. In other words, choose mercantilism, liberalism or world systems/dependency as your conceptual lens to explain why these institutions were created, how they have evolved, and what they do in the global political economic system.
2. Are LDCs disadvantaged
in the current world political economy relative to the economic opportunities
available in developed world? Why or why not? What produced the conditions
under which they currently exist? What strategies are available to LDCs in
their efforts to develop and provide for their people? What aspects of political