Political economy is a social science that studies how political institutions, processes, and policies influence economic outcomes. It examines the relationship between politics and economics, analyzing how decisions made by governments, policymakers, and other political actors impact economic systems, markets, and individual behaviors. Political economy incorporates aspects of both political science and economics, seeking to understand how power dynamics, incentives, and ideologies shape economic activity and distribution of resources in society. Researchers in this field may study a wide range of topics, including government regulation, taxation, fiscal and monetary policy, international trade, development economics, and political systems. Overall, political economy seeks to uncover the complex interplay between politics and economics and how they jointly influence social welfare, inequality, and overall well-being. Scholars in this field apply a variety of theoretical frameworks and methodologies to analyze the interactions between political and economic forces and to inform policy decisions.