Концепт: философия, религия, культура (Dec 2017)
INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC RELATIONS IN THE REFLECTION OF ART
Abstract
The article considers works of imaginative literature and cinematography as a methodology for studying international economic relations. Traditional tools used for analyzing the international movement of capital, international monetary and financial systems, international trade in goods and services, labor migration and international economic integration are supplemented by storylines, central character’s perception of the economic processes taking place in certain countries and around the world. The study provides specific examples from such classic works of literature as “The Financier” by T. Dreiser, “Money” by E. Zola, “Three Comrades” and “The Black Obelisk” by E.-M. Remarque, “Pudd’nhead Wilson” and “The Million Pound Bank Note” by M. Twain, etc. These books give an idea of the stock exchange mechanism, the stock prices, the destinies of the investors and entrepreneurs, the exchange rate and inflation. The adventure novel “Around the World in Eighty Days” by J. Verne allows comparing the transport opportunities of the 19th century with the modern ones. The easing of visa requirements and the abolition of border controls between the European countries within today’s Schengen Area are examined using the example of the passport of the famous seascape painter I. Aivazovsky. Workers involvement in the international labor market at outsourcing enterprises in India is shown in the movie “Outsourced”. In the imaginative literature and movies the brightest and the most complicated moments of people’s lives under certain events are shown, which makes it possible to understand the economic background and consequences of the main characters’ actions. The research unites scientific and figurative thinking with reference to the basic concepts of international economic relations.
