Matthias Baumgarten Knihy

Exploring the dynamics of the financial system, this essay delves into the consequences of decades of deregulation, highlighting how it has contributed to both power and instability within international economic relations. Drawing on insights from the University of Warwick's International Political Economy course, the analysis emphasizes the intricate connections between political decisions and economic outcomes, providing a critical perspective on contemporary financial challenges.

The essay explores the interconnected evolution of international capital mobility and central bank independence, highlighting their significance in today's monetary system. It critiques neoliberal models that portray central bank independence as a purely market-driven phenomenon. Instead, it argues that credibility is a social construct that fosters a consensus between political and market interests. Central bank independence serves as a framework for financial actors' expectations and allows governments to navigate market dynamics while maintaining indirect control over policy decisions, underscoring its role in modern financial governance.

The paper explores the evolution of global finance from the Bretton Woods Agreements to the onset of the subprime crisis, highlighting the significant revival of international capital mobility (ICM) during this period. It examines the factors that contributed to this resurgence and the implications for the global economy, offering insights into the dynamics of financial markets and international relations. The analysis is rooted in economic theory and political context, providing a comprehensive understanding of the trends that shaped modern finance.

The essay explores the contentious role of validity and reliability in qualitative research, highlighting the spectrum of opinions across various paradigms. It addresses the debate between those who deny the feasibility of valid qualitative research and those who dismiss these quality indicators altogether. By examining differing assumptions in quantitative and qualitative frameworks, the author argues that validity and reliability should be considered valuable quality indicators, independent of specific ontological or epistemological stances.

This master's thesis analyzes commodity futures markets (CFMs) to explore the relationship between neoclassical economic theory and real-world markets. It highlights the limitations of neoclassical assumptions and introduces performativity theory as a more suitable framework, discussing the role of agency and power in market dynamics and the effects of financialization.