Topic 1

Explain the impact of global value chains on world trade. What role do multinational corporation play in these chains?
(Main Reference Lecture Topics: 4, 6 & 7)

--- Define and explain briefly each key idea: Global Value Chian; World Trade; and MNCs.

-- Discuss on the impact of global value chains to enhance world trade that brought about growth in nations: produce some evidence and examples (MNCs and/or nations with information and possibly some statistics

-- Elaborate on how MNCs as driver to world trade; try to relate with some trade theories; bring in FDI, vertical integration and others to relate with Global Value Chains created by MNCs

-- Discuss about MNCs' role as stimulators to global value chians, thus world trade and growth in nations. (Should be major part fo the essay.)

-- Give and discuss some further example/s to support the whole essay theme

Topic 2

Does financial liberation cause financial crises? Illustrate your answer with reference to the experience of Asian economies.
(Main Reference Lecture Topics: 8)

--- Define and explain briefly each key idea: Financial Liberation, and Financial Crises

--- List some measures used by nations to adopt financial liberation

--- Elaborate the advantages & disadvantages of Financial Liberation

--- Discussion on Asia Financial Crisis (1997) and/or Global Financial Crisis (2008)

-- Mini Case Analysis: relate above points with East Asia nation/s: specific with evidence and statistics (should be a major portion of your essay).

Topic 3

Has economic growth in East Asia reduced poverty?
(Main Reference Lecture Topics: 2 & 11)

--- Define and explain briefly each key idea: MEG & Poverty

-- Discuss on inadequacy of GDP as measure of economic growth and development.

--- List and explain some measures (not included in GDP) used to measure poverty and balanced growth: both qualitative & quantitative like HDI, Lorenz Curve, Gini Index and others.

-- Application of above theoretical discussion: gather some cases of East Asia nations, information and statistics on above measures (like HDI, Gini index and others)

-- Argue your stand on the statement " Has economic growth in East Asia reduced poverty?" Make a positive or negative stand and explain your rationale of such stand.