The main objective of this course is to introduce the key concepts and models of game-theoretic political economy, with an emphasis on developing both practical and theoretical understanding. The course will help students analyze how individuals and candidates behave under different political institutions and electoral environments, and how strategic interaction shapes political outcomes. Students will learn to apply these models to core areas such as voting behavior, electoral competition, social choice, and the design of political institutions.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Describe core models and concepts in game-theoretic political economy, including voting behavior, electoral competition, and social choice,
2. Interpret academic articles in political economy, with attention to theoretical frameworks and real-world institutional applications,
3. Assess how different voting rules, electoral systems, and collective decision mechanisms influence strategic behavior and political outcomes,
4. Analyze the implications of political economy models for institutional design, policy evaluation, and the functioning of democratic processes,
5. Apply formal game-theoretic tools to model strategic interactions among voters, candidates, and political institutions.