Conducted in terms: 2025Z, 2026Z

Erasmus code: 14.6

ISCED code: 0312

ECTS credits: 4

Language: Polish

Organized by: Faculty of Political Science and International Studies

US Trade Policy 2104-M-D3POHA-MPH

The aim of the course is to acquaint students with the structural conditions, instruments, and mechanisms shaping United States trade policy, approached from both theoretical and practical perspectives. The program focuses on three principal analytical domains:

1. Decision‑Making Process and Systemic Foundations
* Analysis of the legal and constitutional bases governing trade policy at both the federal and state levels.
* The detailed role of the legislative branch (Congress) and the executive branch, including key institutions such as the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the National Economic Council (NEC).
* The influence of non‑state actors - such as interest groups, corporate lobbying, labor unions (e.g., AFL‑CIO), and media - on the White House's trade agenda.

2. Evolution of Doctrine and Contemporary Trends
* Tracing the trajectory from nineteenth‑century isolationism and high tariff protection, through the post‑World War II era of free trade and liberalization, to the contemporary turn toward interventionism and the “America First”doctrine.
* Examination of the United States’ shift from a leading global exporter to the world’s largest importer, and the implications of this transformation for the stability of the international financial system.
* Introduction of Economic Security as an overarching foreign‑policy objective, linking trade to national security and the resilience of supply chains.

3. Bilateral, Regional, and Multilateral Dimensions
* Multilateral level: The crisis of the GATT/WTO system, the U.S.'s role in paralyzing the Dispute Settlement Body, and proposals to reform the multilateral trading order.
* Regional level: The evolution from NAFTA to USMCA, prospects for cooperation with the European Union (TTC, the former TTIP), and initiatives in the Indo‑Pacific region (IPEF).
* Bilateral relations: The strategic trade‑and‑technology confrontation with China, relations with key partners (the EU, Japan, Mexico, Canada), and emerging markets.

The course concludes with a synthesis and evaluation of U.S. trade policy, accompanied by forward‑looking assessments.

Student Workload (4 ECTS)
* Participation in discussion‑based classes: 30 hours
* Consultations and participation in assessment: 5 hours
* Studying assigned literature and preparing for classes: 25 hours
* Preparation of the research project (written report): 20 hours
* Independent study and preparation for the final test: 20 hours
Total workload: 100 hours (4.0 ECTS).

Term 2025Z:

The course is designed to acquaint students with different aspects of the U.S. Trade Policy.

The program consists of three main modules divided into specific topics.

In the first module students will gain general knowledge of the U.S. Trade Policy (basic definitions and economic tools; free trade and interventionism) and decision-making process (main actors and interactions).

The second module will concentrate on the evolution of the U.S. Trade Policy from historical perspective (US Trade Policy between 1789-1930; early post-war period; 60s; economic crises of the 70s; Reaganomics; post-cold war period).

The third module will deal with current problems in U.S. Trade Policy (multilateral level - World Trade System (GATT/WTO) and the U.S. Trade Policy; regional and bilateral free trade agreements of the US; U.S. Trade Policy at the regional level – transatlantic economic relations; U.S. Trade Policy at the bilateral level – U.S. trade relations with selected countries).

Term 2026Z:

The program focuses on three principal analytical domains:

The course is structured around three principal analytical domains:
1. Decision‑making processes and systemic determinants
2. Evolution of doctrine and contemporary trends
3. Bilateral, regional, and multilateral dimensions

Course Topics:
1. Introduction:
Fundamental concepts and instruments of state trade policy; free trade versus protectionism.
2. Systemic determinants:
Constitutional foundations of U.S. trade policy; division of competences between state governments and the federal government.
3. Decision‑making process, Part I:
The role of the U.S. Congress; functioning of congressional committees.
4. Decision‑making process, Part II:
The presidential administration; the role of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the National Economic Council (NEC).
5. Non‑state actors:
Interest groups, lobbying, labor unions (e.g., AFL‑CIO), and their influence on the trade agenda.
6. Historical evolution I:
From the Revolution to the Great Depression (1789–1929) — the formation of the U.S. tariff tradition.
7. Historical evolution II:
From the Smoot–Hawley Tariff Act to GATT; the post‑war era of U.S. trade hegemony.
8. Globalization and Regionalism:
The NAFTA era; the expansion of trade in the 1990s and its social consequences.
9. The protectionist turn:
From free trade to America First; the trade policy of the Trump administration and its continuation.
10. The United States and the multilateral system:
U.S. leadership in the WTO; the crisis of the Dispute Settlement Body; challenges to multilateralism.
11. Economic security:
The concepts of Economic Security and friend‑shoring; trade policy in an era of supply‑chain vulnerabilities.
12. Regional relations – Europe:
Cooperation and competition between the U.S. and the EU; post‑TTIP prospects; the role of the Trade and Technology Council (TTC).
13. Regional relations – Asia:
The “Asian Pivot” strategy; withdrawal from TPP and the emergence of IPEF.
14. Bilateral dispute with China:
Trade wars; technological decoupling; intellectual property issues and subsidies.
15. Summary and outlook:
Key challenges for U.S. trade policy in the coming decade; the impact of immigration on the U.S. economy.

(Note: The thematic plan may be subject to minor adjustments depending on the academic calendar and additional events, such as guest lectures by invited experts)

Course coordinators

Term 2026Z:

Aleksandra Jarczewska
Michał Nadziak
Anna Wróbel

Term 2025Z:

Aleksandra Jarczewska

Type of course

obligatory courses

Prerequisites (description)

Students enrolling in this course should demonstrate advanced knowledge of international political and economic relations. They should also be able to critically analyze primary sources in both Polish and English and formulate their own research hypotheses related to global economic processes.

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the course, the student achieves the following learning outcomes associated with the specialization International Trade Policy:

Knowledge (W):
S3_W01: Defines, at an advanced level, the specific features of U.S. trade policy and characterizes its institutional actors within the broader context of political science and public administration.
S3_W02: Explains the major developmental trends in U.S. trade policy, including protectionist mechanisms and the shift from free trade toward interventionism.
S3_W06: Describes contemporary civilizational dilemmas - such as globalization and economic security - and assesses their impact on economic decision‑making at the federal level in the United States.

Skills (U):
S3_U01: Applies theoretical and factual knowledge to conduct in‑depth analyses of the origins and consequences of U.S. trade disputes with major economic partners.
S3_U04: Formulates research problems and tests hypotheses concerning the effects of U.S. trade policy instruments (e.g. tariffs, non‑tariff barriers).
S3_U05: Engages in substantive debate on the role of the United States within the WTO and the future of multilateralism, using specialized terminology.
S3_U06: Collaborates effectively within a team and leads the development of analytical reports on selected sectors of U.S. trade and bilateral relations.

Social Competencies (K)
S3_K01: Critically evaluates reports issued by U.S. institutions (e.g., USTR, CRS) and media coverage of trade conflicts, assessing their credibility and analytical rigor.
S3_K02: Recognizes the importance of expert knowledge and seeks specialist opinions when addressing complex issues related to U.S. economic security.

Assessment criteria

Methods and Assessment Criteria

Formal requirements for passing the course:
• Permitted number of absences: A maximum of two unexcused absences per semester.
• Minimum threshold: Students must obtain at least 27 out of 50 total points, including a passing grade on the final test.

Assessment components:

1. Activity and knowledge of the literature:
Substantive participation in in‑class discussions – 10 points.
(Assessed learning outcomes: K_W01, K_U03, K_K01)

2. Student project:
Conducting research on a selected topic (e.g., the impact of tariffs on agriculture; the crisis of the WTO system in light of U.S. trade policy; the U.S.–China tariff war), presenting the results in class, and submitting a written report with proper citations – 20 points.
(Assessed learning outcomes: K_U02, K_U04, K_K02)

3. Final test:
A written in-class test covering the thematic scope of the course – 20 points.
(Assessed learning outcomes: K_W03, K_W05, K_U01)

Grading Scale (0–50 points)
• 0–26 points: 2.0 (fail)
• 27–30 points: 3.0 (satisfactory)
• 31–35 points: 3.5 (satisfactory plus)
• 36–40 points: 4.0 (good)
• 41–45 points: 4.5 (good plus)
• 46–50 points: 5.0 (very good)

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence may be used to complete specific components of assigned tasks, and students are encouraged to critically engage with and evaluate AI‑generated content. This requires a reflective approach to the accuracy, credibility, and analytical value of outputs produced by AI tools.

AI use is permitted, provided that:
• all AI‑generated content is explicitly cited,
• the student demonstrates independent critical assessment of the generated material,
• AI is used as a supporting tool, not a substitute for original academic work.

Practical placement

none

Bibliography

Required Readings

• The Constitution of the United States (selected provisions related to commerce and trade).
• Irwin, D. A. Clashing over Commerce: A History of U.S. Trade Policy. University of Chicago Press, 2017. https://www.nber.org/system/files/chapters/c13850/c13850.pdf
• Bożyk, Piotr; Misala, Józef; Puławski, Marek. Międzynarodowe stosunki ekonomiczne. PWE, Warsaw. (selected chapters on the United States)
• USTR – Trade Policy Agenda 2025/2026 (current documents available at ustr.gov)
• Ludwikowski, Ryszard R. Handel międzynarodowy. C.H. Beck, Warsaw, 2012 (3rd edition).
• Destler, I. M. American Trade Politics. Washington, DC: Peterson Institute for International Economics, 2005. https://www.piie.com/bookstore/american-trade-politics-4th-edition
• Baldwin, David A. Economic Statecraft. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2020, pp. 1–71. https://books.google.pl/books/about/Economic_Statecraft.html?hl=it&id=GZviDwAAQBAJ&redir_esc=y

• Congressional Research Service (CRS) – selected reports (e.g., U.S. Trade Policy: Background and Current Issues). https://crsreports.congress.gov
• USTR – Office of the United States Trade Representative https://ustr.gov
• U.S. Department of Commerce – International Trade Administration https://www.trade.gov
• Analyses by PISM and OSW on U.S.–EU and U.S.–China economic relations (recommended for ongoing updates)
• World Trade Organization (WTO) https://www.wto.org
• OECD – Trade Policy Papers https://www.oecd.org/trade/
• Brookings Institution – U.S. Trade Policy Analysis https://www.brookings.edu/topic/trade/
• Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) https://www.cfr.org
• Foreign Affairs – U.S. Trade Policy Articles https://www.foreignaffairs.com
• Ośrodek Studiów Wschodnich (OSW) – analyses on U.S. economic and geopolitical policy https://osw.waw.pl
• Polski Instytut Ekonomiczny (PIE) – reports on protectionism and U.S.–China trade relations https://pie.net.pl
Online Sources Official documents, institutional websites, and publications of U.S. and international organizations relevant to trade policy.

Additional readings Supplementary literature will be provided during the course by the instructor.

Term 2025Z:

Books and basic articles:
US Constitution
• U.S. Trade Policy Primer: Frequently Asked Questions, Cathleen D. Cimino-Isaacs, Coordinator Analyst in International Trade and Finance, April 2, 2018, https://fas.org/sgp/crs/row/R45148.pdf .
• Trade deficit and US Trade Policy, CSR Report, 2018, https://fas.org/sgp/crs/row/R45243.pdf
• D. A. Irvin, Clashing over Commerce: A History of US Trade Policy (Markets and Governments in Economic History), 2017.
• Douglas A. Irwin, Historical Aspects of U.S. Trade Policy, http://www.nber.org/reporter/summer06/irwin.html .
• USTR, 2018 Trade Policy Agenda and 2017 Annual Report, https://ustr.gov/about-us/policy-offices/press-office/reports-and-publications/2018/2018-trade-policy-agenda-and-2017
• USTR 2017, Trade, growth and jobs. Exit memo, 2017, https://ustr.gov/sites/default/files/USTR-Exit-Memo.pdf .
• R. J. Ahearn, Rising Economic Power and U.S. Trade Policy. 2012, http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/R42864.pdf
• G. Kaplan, Time to Reset US Trade Policy for the 21st Century, 2012, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gilbert-b-kaplan/us-trade-manufacturing_b_2233340.html
• Congressional Research Service Reports – raporty dotyczące wybranych zagadnień lub relacji USA z poszczególnymi krajami, https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/index.html
• US Trade Department - Trade Policy and Negotiations : https://www.state.gov/e/eb/tpn/
• International Trade Administration: https://www.trade.gov/

• P. Bożyk, J. Misala, M. Popławski, Międzynarodowe stosunki ekonomiczne, PWE, Warszawa 2004.
• R. R. Ludwikowski, Handel Międzynarodowy, C. H. Beck, Warszawa 2012 (wydanie trzecie).
• R. R. Ludwikowski, Regulacje handlu i biznesu międzynarodowego (tom I Handel Międzynarodowy), Dom Wydawniczy ABC, Warszawa 1996.
• J. Michałek, Polityka handlowa. Mechanizmy ekonomiczne i regulacje międzynarodowe, PWE, Warszawa 2002.
• K. Michałek, Amerykańskie stulecie. Historia Stanów Zjednoczonych Ameryki 1900-2001, Mada, Warszawa 2004.
• A. Jarczewska, Zagraniczna polityka ekonomiczna Stanów Zjednoczonych po zakończeniu zimnej wojny, [w]: E. Haliżak, R. Kuźniar, G. Michałowska, S. Parzymies, J. Symonides, R. Zięba (red.). Stosunki międzynarodowe w XXI wieku, Wydawnictwo Naukowe Scholar, Warszawa 2006.
• A. Jarczewska, Perspektywy gospodarczo-finansowej kondycji Stanów Zjednoczonych po
2008 r.”, [w]: R. Kuźniar (red.) Kryzys 2008 a pozycja międzynarodowa Zachodu, Wydawnictwo Naukowe Scholar, Warszawa 2011.
• J. M., Rothgeb, U.S. Trade Policy, Balancing Economic Ideas and Political Realities, CQ Press, 2001.
• Internet sources - documents, websites of American and international institutions and organizations

Term 2026Z:

Required Readings:

• The Constitution of the United States (selected provisions related to commerce and trade).
• Irwin, Douglas A. Clashing over Commerce: A History of U.S. Trade Policy. University of Chicago Press, 2017. https://www.nber.org/system/files/chapters/c13850/c13850.pdf
• Bożyk, Piotr; Misala, Józef; Puławski, Marek. Międzynarodowe stosunki ekonomiczne. PWE, Warsaw. (selected chapters on the United States)
• USTR – Trade Policy Agenda 2025/2026 (current documents available at ustr.gov)
• Ludwikowski, Ryszard R. Handel międzynarodowy. C.H. Beck, Warsaw, 2012 (3rd edition).
• Destler, I. M. American Trade Politics. Washington, DC: Peterson Institute for International Economics, 2005. https://www.piie.com/bookstore/american-trade-politics-4th-edition
• Baldwin, David A. Economic Statecraft. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2020, pp. 1–71. https://books.google.pl/books/about/Economic_Statecraft.html?hl=it&id=GZviDwAAQBAJ&redir_esc=y

Additional readings Supplementary literature will be provided during the course by the instructor.

Notes

Term 2026Z:

Teaching methods

The following instructional methods are employed throughout the course, each aligned with the specialized learning outcomes:

• Conversational lecture supported by multimedia presentation: Used to convey structured knowledge on the institutional architecture and prevailing trends in U.S. trade policy.
(Learning outcomes achieved: S3_W01, S3_W02, S3_W06)

• Moderated academic discussion based on primary sources: Critical examination of current USTR reports, Congressional Research Service (CRS) analyses, and strategic documents issued by the presidential administration.
(Learning outcomes achieved: S3_U01, S3_U05, S3_K01)

• Project based learning (teams of 2–3 students): Preparation of a research report on a selected topic (e.g., the semiconductor trade dispute, the impact of USMCA on the agricultural sector).
(Learning outcomes achieved: S3_U04, S3_U06, S3_K02)

• Case study analysis: In depth examination of selected cases (e.g., technological decoupling from China, the crisi of the WTO Dispute Settlement Body) and US trade policy) conducted within an academic discussion format.
(Learning outcomes achieved: S3_U01, S3_K01)

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)