UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy

06/08/2026

California recently unveiled a $1 billion rebate program for electric trucks, but experts disagree on whether it's a good idea. 🚚

Dean Caroline Freund explains her viewpoint, including why the program's funding could be better allocated elsewhere: https://ow.ly/uo9750Z7OeZ

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06/05/2026

Meet the GPS Commencement student speaker! 🎓

The Class of 2026 has selected Katrina Haidari to deliver the student address at the School of Global Policy and Strategy Commencement on Saturday, June 13.

Haidari will graduate with a Master of Public Policy degree with specializations in Environmental Policy and Program Design and Evaluation. She has also pursued two of the certificate programs GPS offers: the Quantitative Certificate and the Energy Analytics Analysis Certificate.

Beyond the classroom, Haidari has immersed herself in the school's dynamic community. She is president of the GPS chapter of Net Impact, an international organization using the power of business to drive social and environmental change. Haidari has also worked as a teaching assistant for Professors David Victor and Alexander Gelber. "I really love teaching and hope my students learned as much from me as I learned from them," she said.

On top of her leadership roles at GPS, Haidari is an intern with California Community Power. She plans to continue her internship this summer. "I am very excited to put my energy analytics certificate to good use!" Haidari added.

When asked how it feels to be chosen as the student speaker, Haidari described it as "exhilarating and scary.”

“I want to make sure students feel proud about picking me to represent us as I take the time to reflect on our two years at GPS,” she continued. “I think it also selfishly helps my imposter syndrome a bit. I am far from the smartest or most accomplished student at GPS, but this (literal) vote of confidence from my peers helps to remind me that they see in me something meaningful to bring to the table, or in this case, the podium!”

06/04/2026

Looking for a new spot to fuel up between study sessions? ☕

The school’s social media intern has you covered. Here are some places to grab coffee during finals week.

You’ve got this, GPSers!

Video ID: A video begins with a clip of pelicans on a cliff overlooking the ocean and text that reads, “In need of a coffee break? Go to these places on campus.” The video then shows the exterior and interior of The Loft, M.O.M’s Cafe, TEC Cafe and Goody’s Market, with text identifying each location. The video ends with a closeup of a machine dispensing coffee into a UC San Diego-branded cup.

Music by https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License code: GQEQVALEQ2HZGP7Y
Artist: Nick Petrov

06/03/2026

Need a new study spot? Check out these tips from the school’s social media intern. Good luck on finals, GPSers!

ID: A video begins with a student riding their scooter on the UC San Diego campus and text that reads, “Where to study this finals week at UC San Diego.” The video then shows five locations on campus, including the exterior and interior of Geisel Library, inside Price Center, inside Treehouse Computer Lounge, the exterior and interior of Coalition, and the exterior of Copa Vida. Text identifies each location. The video ends with a clip of a grassy lawn and text that reads, “End your study session by relaxing on Marshall Field.”

Music by Bensound.com
License code: AROLV7V5HA7YCDGE
Artist: Marcus P.

06/02/2026

As Mexico’s dominant political party works to add protections from "foreign interference" in its elections, Professor Rafael Fernández de Castro shares his perspective on the proposal with The New York Times:

Mexico is moving to add protections from “foreign interference” in elections. The rules seem aimed at Washington, but they raised concerns about Mexico’s democracy.

06/01/2026

A study coauthored by Professor Achyuta Adhvaryu found that near-vision glasses boosted productivity among garment workers in India by up to 6%, showing that a simple intervention could yield gains similar to costlier training programs:

A study reveals near-vision glasses increased productivity by 5.7% to 6% among Bengaluru garment workers, enhancing their quality of life.

05/29/2026

At GPS' annual student awards ceremony, a select group of students were recognized by their peers and faculty for their academic, teaching, and community-building accomplishments. ✨

Many of the awards are given by faculty members to recognize superior academic performance in different fields, such as policy memo writing and econometrics. Others are named in memory of beloved members of the GPS community by their families to recognize students who exemplify specific values. And still other awards are given by students, based on a vote, to recognize faculty and peers who have made a positive impact on the school community.

“GPS students are smart and disciplined, and they care about the communities around them,” Dean Caroline Freund said in her remarks. “But even among our extraordinary student body, you are being recognized for your hard work, dedication and accomplishments.”

🏆 Meet the 2026 awardees: https://ow.ly/vMgk50Z5fYL

05/28/2026

Prior to reaching a deal this week, the Samsung Electronics' union in South Korea was threatening to strike over demands for significant performance bonuses. Professor Munseob Lee shares what it would take for a high-returns model to be sustainable:

Samsung Unions Bonus Demand Sparks Scholar Flexibility Calls Global economists argue profit-sharing requires accepting wage cuts, layoffs during downturns

05/27/2026

How can farmers in low- and middle-income countries boost their profits? On VoxDev, Professor Craig McIntosh evaluates credit, subsidies and cash transfers for smallholder farmers, concluding that credit is most effective when paired with new agricultural technologies:

Credit, subsidies, and cash transfers can improve yields and revenues for smallholder farmers in low- and middle-income countries, but translating these gains into higher profits proves far harder. The evidence suggests that credit works best not as a standalone intervention but when paired with new...

05/26/2026

As AI spending is expected, by some estimates, to reach $1.1 trillion next year, the San Diego Union-Tribune recently asked economists whether this AI boom is distorting the economy.

GPS Dean Caroline Freund answered yes: “Because it is viewed as a winner-take-all technology, firms are investing at extraordinary levels to avoid falling behind, crowding out investment in housing, manufacturing and other infrastructure.”

Read her full explanation:

“This technological shift means there’s no turning back to old methods,” said one San Diego economist