Program overview
Political economy isn't about memorizing political textbooks—it's about using economic tools to analyze power, institutions, and social change. At the graduate level, you'll systematically study core courses like close reading of *Das Kapital*, institutional economics, development economics, and China's economic transformation. Chinese universities have a natural advantage here—the 40-plus years of reform and opening-up provide the most vivid case studies. Professors from Peking University, Renmin University, and Fudan University will guide you in unpacking the economic logic behind "land finance," "SOE reform," and the "Belt and Road Initiative." This program suits students curious about "Why has China developed so fast?" and "How do policies influence markets?"—especially international students who want to understand the China model from a theoretical perspective and pursue careers in policy research or international organizations.