Pol. Economy·Course
Political Economy
Historical schools, economic systems, power and institutions, democracy, inequality and digital economy
Part of the Business & Economics track — finish it for a verifiable diploma →
§ 01 — Orientation
New here?
What you'll be able to do, who this is for, how long it takes, and where to begin.
By the end, you will be able to
- 01Tell the major schools of political economy apart and use their tools.
- 02Analyze how power, class, and institutions shape economies.
- 03Read globalization, trade, and finance through a political lens.
- 04Apply that lens to inequality, climate, sanctions, and the digital economy.
- 05Argue about economic systems without reaching for slogans.
Who this is for
How long it takes
- Quick orientationSkim the opening module and the cheatsheet to get the shape of it.~3 h
- Full read-throughRead every article once, in order.~9 h
- Mastery pathRead, take the quizzes, and space out your reviews.~4 weeks
- APA
Stoa. (2026). Political Economy [Online course]. Stoa. https://stoa.school/course/political-economy
- MLA
Stoa. “Political Economy.” Stoa, 2026, https://stoa.school/course/political-economy.
- Chicago
Stoa. “Political Economy.” Stoa. Accessed August 31, 2026. https://stoa.school/course/political-economy.
§ 02 — Curriculum
16 modules.
Each module is a small unit. Most read in sequence — but a determined reader can begin anywhere.
- M IWhat Is Political EconomyWhat political economy is6 articles
36 minBegin → - M IIHistorical Schools and TraditionsHistorical schools and traditions6 articles
36 minBegin → - M IIIEconomic Systems and Types of CapitalismEconomic systems and varieties of capitalism6 articles
36 minBegin → - M IVPower, Classes, InterestsPower, classes, interests6 articles
36 minBegin → - M VInstitutions, States, and RegimesInstitutions, States, and Regimes6 articles
36 minBegin → - M VIThe Political Economy of Democracies and DictatorshipsThe Political Economy of Democracies and Dictatorships6 articles
36 minBegin → - M VIIPublic Choice and Political IncentivesPublic Choice and Political Incentives6 articles
36 minBegin → - M VIIIThe Political Economy of Inequality and RedistributionThe Political Economy of Inequality and Redistribution6 articles
36 minBegin → - M IXInternational Political Economy (IPE)International Political Economy (IPE)6 articles
36 minBegin → - M XGlobalization, Financialization, and the World SystemGlobalization, Financialization, and the World System6 articles
36 minBegin → - M XIThe Political Economy of DevelopmentThe Political Economy of Development6 articles
36 minBegin → - M XIIRegulation, States, and MarketsRegulation, States, and Markets6 articles
36 minBegin → - M XIIILabour, Social Policy, and the Welfare StateLabour, Social Policy, and the Welfare State6 articles
36 minBegin → - M XIVThe Political Economy of Security and SanctionsThe Political Economy of Security and Sanctions6 articles
36 minBegin → - M XVContemporary Challenges and the Future of Political EconomyContemporary Challenges and the Future of Political Economy6 articles
36 minBegin → - M XVIThe Digital Economy and New ChallengesThe Digital Economy and New Challenges4 articles
24 minBegin →
§ 03 — Learning outcomes
4 outcomes.
Differentiate the main schools of political economy (classical, Marxist, Keynesian, institutional) and their analytical toolkits.
Analyze the role of power, social classes, states, and institutions in shaping economic systems and economic policy.
Assess globalization processes, international trade, financial flows, and geopolitics from the perspective of political economy.
Apply political economy analysis to current issues such as inequality, the digital economy, climate change, sanctions, and the transformation of the state.
§ 04 — Practices