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By Eric Fernando MPP’26
When the world feels unpredictable, policymaking becomes less about finding the right answer and more about understanding competing truths. Capturing the full picture of global dynamics is difficult, and without that perspective, it becomes even harder to design interventions that are both balanced and responsible. Every decision carries consequences, often far beyond what we can immediately see. In moments like these, perspective is not a luxury; it is a necessity.
I was reminded of this during two sessions with Harvard professor Gita Gopinath: a public lecture at Page Auditorium and a smaller discussion with students at the Sanford School of Public Policy. Sitting among other students at Duke, I began to rethink what it means to make decisions in an increasingly uncertain world. Across both conversations, I not only deepened my understanding of global economic dynamics but also reconsidered the role of policymakers within them.
At the Rubenstein Lecture, Professor Gopinath, based on her experience as a former Chief Economist at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), emphasized the importance of economic interconnectedness. Global growth depends on sustained interaction between countries through trade, lending, and financial exchange. Having worked in government, I found her insights immediately relatable, particularly in the context of trading and foreign exchange policies, which often become critical tools in responding to humanitarian crises like those we face today.
What stayed with me most was her explanation of national debt, a moment that shifted how I think about economic policy. Rather than focusing on debt as a static number, she encouraged us to consider its trajectory: Is it sustainable? Can governments realistically meet their obligations over time? While she noted that a global recession does not appear imminent, she warned that risks are quietly building. These vulnerabilities are where decision-makers must focus their attention to prevent future crises.
In a more intimate session with Sanford students, the conversation turned to institutional integrity and long-term development. Professor Gopinath highlighted the importance of central bank independence, especially in a world where governments are often tempted to push for lower interest rates to stimulate growth. The tension between political priorities and economic stability is not an exception, but a recurring challenge across countries.
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She also addressed the shifting landscape of international development aid. With traditional funding sources under pressure, there is an increasing need to engage the private sector. This resonated deeply with me, particularly as I think about how development efforts can remain sustainable in times of crisis. Humanitarian and development initiatives cannot simply pause. They must adapt. Designing financial instruments that make these projects attractive to the private sector may be one of the most practical paths forward.
Beyond economics, what made the experience meaningful was hearing about Professor Gopinath’s personal journey. She once considered becoming a doctor or an engineer before finding her path in economics. In many ways, her story mirrors my own. I began my academic career in engineering, but I now find myself working in public policy, driven by a desire to serve and improve societal outcomes.
She also spoke candidly about disagreement within the field of economics. Unlike the natural sciences, economics rarely produces absolute certainty. Policy debates are shaped by differing assumptions and interpretations of data. This realization reinforced something I had been learning: policymaking is not just about technical expertise, but about navigating complexity and embracing diverse perspectives. Economics, in this sense, is not an end, but one of many tools that inform decision-making for creating meaningful impact.
As students, we are often focused on mastering concepts and models. But Professor Gopinath offered a simple reminder that has stayed with me: “Do not disconnect from the world. Read the headlines. Read the executive summaries. As a student, you need ideas.” In an uncertain world, staying informed is not just an academic exercise; it is how I begin to make sense of the policymaker I hope to become, making balanced and responsible interventions.
Eric Fernando (he/him) is a second-year Master of Public Policy (MPP) student at the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University. Born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering from the Bandung Institute of Technology. Prior to Duke, Eric spent seven years of professional experience across both the private and public sectors, including roles in banking, foreign exchange trading, business licensing, tax incentives, and government regulation. He is deeply passionate about advancing his expertise in international development policy, regulatory design, and behavioral science, especially in ways that promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Outside of his academic and professional pursuits, Eric enjoys swimming, traveling, and cooking local cuisine.
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