UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy

Have questions about GPS or the application process? Schedule a time to meet one-on-one with an admissions team member: https://ow.ly/vXXb50Yrsqa

North Korea's economy: The study of economic black holes When official statistics are unavailable or unreliable, researchers can use a range of forensic methods – such as satellite imagery, mirror trade data, price monitoring, refugee surveys, humanitarian data, and text mining – to extract credible economic information, with North Korea illustrating both the possibilities and limits of studying economic ‘black holes’.

How do economists extract credible economic information? Prof. Munseob Lee, Prof. Stephan Haggard, and Ewha Womans University's Professor Kyoochul Kim use North Korea as an entry point to examine how to study economic black holes on VoxDev.

💵 Read here: https://ow.ly/jsx950Yrs61

Student life at GPS means celebrating with classmates from around the world. From performances to great food, students came together to ring in the Lunar New Year and share traditions across cultures. See highlights from the celebration: https://ow.ly/SBBa50YrrcC

Critical Minerals: The Western Hemisphere’s Opportunity | Institute of the Americas An in-depth analysis of critical minerals in the Western Hemisphere, examining supply chains, geopolitical risks, ESG standards, and strategic opportunities for energy security and industrial resilien...

GPS Proud! Current MIA student Mateo Micucci hascoauthored a report with the Institute of the Americas. It is about critical mineral cooperation in the Americas and a strategic analysis of the Western Hemisphere. Check it out: iamericas.org/critical-min...

Americans are losing trust in US elections, UC San Diego survey shows Many of those surveyed said concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers at polling places contributed to their declining trust.

On KPBS San Diego, GPS Prof. Lauren Prather discusses new survey results showing declining trust in U.S. elections across party lines ahead of the midterms. Confidence in accurate vote counts has fallen from 77% to 60%. Read: ow.ly/M6gG50YpUNv
#ElectionTrust #GPSFaculty

Graphic with drone footage of UC San Diego campus announcing apply by March 16, priority deadline for degree programs at the UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy.

The next deadline for the MPP, MIA, MCEPA and MAS-IA degree programs is quickly approaching! Apply by March 16: ow.ly/NqkN50YofuH

Text says, "Apply by March 16, Next Priority Due Date! MPP - Master of Public Policy MIA - Master of International Affairs MCEPA - Master of Chinese Economic and Political Affairs MAS-IA - Master of Advanced Studies in International Affairs"

The next deadline for the MPP, MIA, MCEPA and MAS-IA degree programs is quickly approaching! Apply by March 16: https://ow.ly/FqEg50Yofx4

Why Tariff Uncertainty May Hurt More Than Tariffs Q&A with School of Global Policy and Strategy economist on what uncertainty means for businesses, how volatility affects global credibility and what policy choices lie ahead.

Tariff uncertainty is costing businesses more than tariffs themselves. Professor Kyle Handley examines volatility, global credibility, and the policy choices ahead, and what this means for the U.S. and worldwide.

Read more here: https://ow.ly/uVc250YmIEB

Photo of students with the text "Five years, two degrees, and a leg up in your career"

Three students posing for a photo with the text, "With GPS’s Concurrent Degree Program, UC San Diego undergraduates can save time and money by getting a master’s degree with just one additional year of school."

Text that states, "The program is offered in collaboration with UC San Diego’s International Studies Program, Department of Economics, Department of Political Science, Scripps Institution of Oceanography"

Text that states, "Apply by April 10. If you’re early in your undergraduate academic career at UC San Diego and are looking to fast-track a career that helps serve the public good in the U.S. and around the world, read more about why this could be a great fit."

Accelerate your career with GPS’s Concurrent Degree Program! UC San Diego undergrads can earn a master’s in just one extra year—saving both time & money. 🗓️ Apply by April 10. Get details here: https://ow.ly/PVlS50YmaGZ #UCSanDiego #GPSDegrees

Don't miss this event starting at 3:30 p.m. today!

When US Immigration Policy Helped Create India’s IT Boom When US policymakers debate high-skill immigration, they also shape education systems, career choices, and industrial development around the world.

GPS Prof. Gaurav Khanna's new analysis shows how U.S. visa restrictions during the tech boom shaped education and talent flows, fueling India’s IT sector and reshaping the global tech economy.

🔗 Read: https://ow.ly/wWeb50YifRT

#ImmigrationPolicy #GPSFaculty

Photo of UC San Diego's Geisel Library in the background, with text inviting prospective students to a virtual MAS-IA information session on March 4.

Interested in an advanced international affairs education? Join our virtual Q&A on March 4 4 to learn about the Master of Advanced Studies in International Affairs (MAS-IA). Register: https://ow.ly/gb4k50Yisx7
#MASIA #InternationalAffairs #GradSchool #StudyAtUCSD

Trump announces global tariffs will increase to 15% from 10% ‘effective immediately’ | CNN Business President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he will increase the global tariffs he imposed a day earlier to 15% from 10% following an adverse ruling at the Supreme Court.

President Donald Trump is increasing tariffs from 10% to 15%, but what does that mean for the U.S. and the rest of the world? Professor Kyle Handley explains the international effects and the winners and losers of Trump's tariffs.

Read here: https://ow.ly/3qqI50YkvQl

Three dancers in traditional clothing performing gracefully outdoors under a clear blue sky.

Volunteers wearing green gloves serve noodles onto a paper plate at an outdoor food distribution table.

Group of young adults sitting at a long table enjoying snacks and drinks in a modern indoor setting.

Two kendo practitioners in full armor spar with bamboo swords outdoors near a tiled wall and tropical plants.

Organized by the school's amazing student groups - GO GPS, Asameshikai, China Focus, Mannam, and SEAL - view photos and videos from the school's Lunar New Year celebration this past Friday. 🧧🥢✨

Here’s to a bright year ahead!

#LunarNewYear #CampusCommunity #GPSGraduateLife #GlobalCommunity

Trust in Elections Declines across Party Lines Ahead of 2026 Midterms, UC San Diego Survey Finds New national survey — from the Center for Transparent and Trusted Elections and the Yankelovich Center for Social Science Research — highlights shared skepticism over redistricting and widespread expectations of ICE at polling places.

New research from the Center for Transparent and Trusted Elections, co-directed by GPS Prof. Lauren Prather, finds confidence in U.S. elections has fallen across party lines since 2024. Read🔗 https://ow.ly/WYXS50YhSRK

#ElectionTrust #Democracy #UCSDResearch

Photo of GPS student, William Martindale, with text that says, "Grasp China’s complexities with the MCEPA. Learn from current MCEP student William Martindale what pursuing MCEPA looks like and the experience you get with a one-of-a-kind degree."

Text says, "What brought you to GPS and the MCEPA program? 'The MCEPA program really stood out to me because of the quantitative focus and its tight focus on China. And the school offered me a good scholarship, as well as a graduate student research position with the school’s 21st Century China Center. So I thought, ‘They’re willing to invest a lot in me, and I like that.'"

Text says, "What would you tell others interested in pursuing an MCEPA? 'The MCEPA is similar to the Master of International Affairs program, but it does have distinct advantages — for example, you get a lot more direct access to the 21st Century China Center people. Also, the capstone is very different: It’s more of a master’s thesis than a term project.'”

Text says, "ARE YOU READY TO FIND NEW WAYS FORWARD? Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year are still open. Request information on the MCEPA degree today!"

Interested in investigating the most important issues relating to contemporary China? Our Master of Chinese Economic and Political Affairs degree program offers four tracks to fit your career goals. Request info: https://ow.ly/v0Jm50Yiswp

60 percent say they’re confident midterms will be counted fairly: Polling Trust in the accuracy and integrity of elections is declining among U.S. voters amid concerns over mid-decade redistricting attempts and the potential that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)…

New research from GPS Prof. Lauren Prather and the Center for Transparent and Trusted Elections is cited by @thehill, which reports that 60 percent say they’re confident the midterms will be counted fairly. Read: https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5742131-voter-confidence-decline-midterms/

China’s economy is facing its toughest challenges in decades. GPS Prof. Barry Naughton discusses the housing bust, deflation, and geopolitical tensions in his interview on The Monetary Matters Network.

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqCyq3CIhwQ

#China #ChinaEconomy

Alumna Jessica Meir Returns to Space — This Time as Commander UC San Diego alumni are soaring to great heights in 2026 — including space! On Feb. 13, Scripps Institution of Oceanography alumna and NASA astronaut Jessica Meir embarked on her second journey to the International Space Station, serving as spacecraft commander for NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission.

Absolutely inspiring to see UC San Diego alumna Jessica Meir returning to space — this time as spacecraft commander on Crew-12! Read: https://today.ucsd.edu/story/alumna-jessica-meir-returns-to-space-this-time-as-commander
#UCSD #WomenInSTEM #SpaceExploration #AlumniSuccess #Crew12

Happy Lunar New Year! 农历新年快乐
Wishing you a happy and healthy year of the Horse. Please watch this message from GPS Professor Victor Shih for the school's 21st Century China Center. #LunarNewYear #YearOfTheHorse

Campus will be closed on Feb. 16th for Presidents' Day.

Text over image says, "Public Policy Careers with Real Impact. Explore how GPS prepares students for careers in California government and public service"

Text says, "Skills That Set You Up for Success: At GPS, students build data analysis, economic evaluation, policy design, and leadership skills — all essential for careers in public policy and government. "

Text over image says, "Interested in making a difference through public policy? A degree from GPS connects you to career resources, mentorship, internships and roles in the public sector — including California government. "

Text says, "WHat industry will you lead? Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year are open. Request information on the MPP degree today!"

The STEM-designated Master of Public Policy (MPP) program at GPS allows you to build the skills to assess the real-world consequences of policy decisions using data and empirical methods, giving you the tools to transform data into actions.

Request information: https://ow.ly/IrON50YeBLN

Japan election: Stocks surge as Takaichi secures historic election victory Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party secured 316 out of 465 seats in Sunday's election.

Professor Ulrike Schaede shares insights with BBC on PM Sanae Takaichi’s historic win, the Liberal Democratic Party’s success, and the surge in Japanese and Asian markets. Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjd9k852zdjo #JapanPolitics #AsianMarkets #UCSanDiegoGPS

Is a weaker U.S. dollar a good thing? “All things considered, the negatives outweigh the positives,” said one San Diego economist.

Is a weaker U.S. dollar a good thing? San Diego economists, including GPS Dean Caroline Freund, aren’t so sure. Read: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/02/06/is-a-weaker-u-s-dollar-a-good-thing/
#Economics #USDollar #GlobalPolicy #GPS #UCSD #Finance #CurrencyTrends

Curved library shelves filled with colorful books stretching along a walkway with a railing. Photo by Susan Q Yin on Unsplash

Looking for your next great read? GPS Faculty share their top book recommendations for Winter 2026. Find your next read: https://ow.ly/xeOA50YcWOF

#WinterReading #PublicPolicy #InternationalAffairs #UCSD #GPS

Trump's Selective Comparison Overstates Trade Deficit Decline - FactCheck.org Through President Donald Trump's first full 10 months in office, the cumulative U.S. trade deficit in goods and services was down 3.9% from the same period in 2024. His claim that he has "slashed our trade deficit by 77%" appears to compare the monthly trade deficit in January 2025 to the deficit nine months later in October.

In Trump’s first 10 months in office, the U.S. trade deficit in goods and services was down 3.9% compared to the same period in 2024. However, Professor Kyle Handley explains how Trump’s method of measuring this number is not the preferred approach.

🔢 Read here: https://ow.ly/MwRG50YcxUr

Picture of Juan Leal Mendoza with the text, "Why GPS, featuring Juan Leal Mendoza, Master of International Affairs ‘25"

Text says, "What aspect of the MIA degree training gives you a competitive edge? 'I believe the MIA curriculum, which emphasizes developing quantitative skills while also demonstrating expertise in some of the most dynamic regions in the world, will truly stand out for my post-graduation goals in diplomacy.'"

Text says, "What industry will you lead? Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year are open. Request information on the MIA degree today!"

Juan Leal Mendoza, a Master of International Affairs student, shares why he chose UC San Diego, how his GPS training gives him a competitive edge in his field, and the value he gained from his degree.

Request information on the MIA program: https://ow.ly/zRtK50YbVH3

China Focus is pleased to announce its 2026 China Focus Essay Contest 🎉. The contest will award winners for writing an evidence-based essay on one of the given topics.

🕰️ Submissions are due April 10, 2026, @11:59 p.m.

✒️ Learn more: https://ow.ly/T7iz50YbSH6

Why Some Messages Are More Convincing Than Others What kinds of marketing messages are effective — and what makes people believe certain political slogans more than others? New research from the University of California San Diego Rady School of Management explains.

What kind of marketing messages are effective? Professor Uma Karmakar and others examine how people constantly assess whether messages are true or false.

✏️Read more: https://ow.ly/cP5Q50Yaqfa

How is the clean energy industry moving in an era of policy chaos?

Professor David Victor examines how the clean energy industry is progressing amid uncertain policies and chaos by analyzing three major industrial models.

🌏 Read here: https://ow.ly/jCvV50Yaoyl