1. Unit 1: Introduction to Economic Blocks
- Overview of economic blocks and their significance in the global economy
- Classification of economic blocks based on different criteria
- Historical evolution of economic blocks and their role in regional integration
2. Unit 2: Types of Economic Blocks
- Common Market: Characteristics, benefits, and challenges
- Customs Union: Features, trade policies, and implications for member countries
- Economic Union: Objectives, harmonization of policies, and coordination of economic activities
3. Unit 3: Trade Policies and Agreements within Economic Blocks
- Tariff barriers: Understanding customs duties, quotas, and preferential trade agreements
- Non-tariff barriers: Examining regulations, technical standards, and sanitary measures
- Regional trade agreements: Analysis of free trade agreements and regional economic partnerships
4. Unit 4: Implications of Economic Blocks on Trade and Investment
- Trade creation and trade diversion effects within economic blocks
- Impact on foreign direct investment (FDI) flows and cross-border business activities
- Case studies highlighting the economic, social, and political implications of economic blocks
5. Unit 5: Economic Blocks in the Global Context
- Comparative analysis of major economic blocks worldwide (e.g., EU, NAFTA, ASEAN)
- Interactions between different economic blocks and their influence on global trade dynamics
- Challenges and opportunities for economic blocks in the face of globalization and digitalization
6. Unit 6: Future Trends and Prospects
- Emerging economic blocks and their potential impact on regional and global economies
- Forecasting the evolution of existing economic blocks and their implications for member countries
- Policy considerations for maximizing the benefits and addressing the challenges of economic blocks