UAGC economist ties global policy to daily life

By AI, Created 11:07 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – A University of Arizona Global Campus professor is showing students how U.S. rate decisions, trade shifts and artificial intelligence can affect households far beyond the United States. The message comes as global growth slows, debt rises and developing economies face tighter financial conditions.

Why it matters: - Global economic decisions can change the cost of food, fuel and borrowing for families in developing economies. - UAGC is using that reality to teach students systems thinking, global awareness and career-ready economic analysis. - The lesson matters as slower growth, heavier debt and market fragmentation reshape development paths in countries like Nepal.

What happened: - Robin Dhakal, an assistant Global Campus professor at the University of Arizona Global Campus, wrote an article titled “Washington to Kathmandu: How Global Economics Reaches Your Doorstep.” - The article explains how U.S. monetary policy, geopolitical tensions and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence affect families in developing economies. - Dhakal connected the topic to a recent virtual lecture with students, faculty and staff in Arizona and Nepal. - The lecture drew more than 100 registered attendees.

The details: - Dhakal said Federal Reserve interest-rate changes can quickly affect smaller economies through higher borrowing costs, currency swings and capital flows. - The article says today’s global economy is marked by slower growth, rising public debt and increasing fragmentation. - The International Monetary Fund projects global GDP growth at about 3.2% over the next two years. - That forecast is below the historical average of 3.8%. - Global public debt has reached an estimated $102 trillion. - Developing economies are under pressure as borrowing costs rise and fiscal resources tighten. - The article also points to energy price volatility and shifting trade dynamics as forces changing economic pathways. - Dhakal says AI is transforming work globally and may reduce demand for outsourced knowledge-based jobs. - UAGC says the Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics is designed to help students understand complex economic systems and their real-world impact.

Between the lines: - The article frames economics as a lived experience, not just a policy subject. - The teaching approach also positions UAGC’s online classroom as a place where global events are tied directly to local consequences. - Dhakal’s AI warning suggests development models built around outsourced white-collar work may face new risks. - That shift could matter most in economies that depend on international demand for entry-level knowledge work.

What’s next: - UAGC says it will keep integrating real-world perspectives into its curriculum. - Dhakal said the goal is to help students understand how global systems work so they can make better decisions in their careers and communities. - The university’s broader program mix includes more than 50 associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree options delivered through accelerated online classes. - More information about UAGC is available on the university’s website.