גל ביטון

   
          ? Why did I choose to study political science

   Studying political science was not surprising considering the fact that I was always interested in politics and in the way it affects each and one of us. I chose to continue my studies and start my Ph.D. first and foremost because, in that way, I can expand my knowledge and contribute to academic knowledge. The Ph.D. program is an excellent opportunity to earn new theoretical and    analytical tools and to integrate into the academic world

:My research focus

My research focus is on the politics of international monetary and financial relations. In my dissertation, I study the role of international currencies in the international system, and especially, the role of the Renminbi and its connection to China’s power. Analytically, I sketch from the positive political economy with quantitative research methods

I find it to be a fascinating topic to explore, since money is an essential part of political reality, both domestically and internationally. Although this issue remained in the hands of economists throughout the last century, great efforts have been made recently by political scientists to understand the political implications of currencies, especially when the link between money and politics is so apparent