Political economy is an interdisciplinary field of study that examines the interaction between political and economic systems. It seeks to understand how political institutions, policies, and processes affect economic outcomes, and how economic conditions, in turn, influence political decisions and power dynamics.
At its core, political economy examines how power is distributed and used in society to create, allocate, and distribute resources. This includes analyzing the ways in which economic systems and institutions, such as markets, property rights, and taxation, are shaped by political actors and institutions, such as governments, interest groups, and international organizations.
Political economy also considers how economic outcomes, such as income distribution, economic growth, and employment levels, affect political systems, including the distribution of power, public opinion, and the behavior of political actors.
Overall, political economy seeks to understand the complex and dynamic relationship between politics and economics, and how this relationship shapes the distribution of resources and power in society.