About

The remarkable nature of the field lies in its ability, over the course of the last two decades, to act as a catalysing force in reshaping the paradigmatic boundaries of social science.

Analytically addressing the transformations brought about by globalisation, by way of many theoretical and methodological frameworks, GPE has underscored the need for the current disciplinary and interdisciplinary boundaries to be thoroughly transcended.

Our aims

The Global Political Economy (GPE) Research Group supports and promotes research into the different areas within this interdisciplinary field, with the aim of improving connectedness and widening the scope of both our group and our member’s activities – both within the University of Bristol and between Bristol and other universities.

Our research

Our research group examines themes including:

• the transformations of the state and public/welfare policies
• sustainable production
• changes in property
• corporate governance and commercial
• international and labour law
• global changes in work and employment
• management and organisational transformations
• critical finance and financialisation
• digital infrastructures, political economies of artificial intelligence
• power, class and structural change

Opportunities and events

The group is a space to support the development of new research projects, applications for funding, and a vibrant research culture by bringing together scholars with an interest in political economy from across the University. We have a range of events running through term time each year, including a reading and discussion group, workshops and (working paper) seminars, research seminars and guest lectures, and regular socials. To keep up to date with news and events, please get in touch with our co-leads to sign up to our mailing list and follow our events page.

Postgraduate opportunities

The South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP) offers PhD students funding (and a stipend) to study in one of 17 subject pathways, including an interdisciplinary pathway in Global Political Economy which draws on the work of colleagues in our research group. We welcome applications from postdoctoral students studying on this pathway – both in Bristol and within the wider SWDTP consortium – to join our research group.

In addition to attracting doctoral researchers, there are opportunities for group member post-graduates to engage in international exchanges and collaborations with other universities with whom members have working relationships, contributing to a vibrant research culture within the cluster.