Global economics plays a vital role in helping students understand the interconnectedness of markets, cultures and communities across the world. The Bessie Moore Center offers resources that bring global concepts to a local level, starting with Arkansas’s own exports and trade relationships. These materials highlight how goods produced in Arkansas impact economies beyond our borders and why global awareness matters for economic success at home.
Students can explore the fundamentals of globalization, including why nations trade, how international trade impacts domestic markets, and the role the U.S. plays in the global economy. Featured resources also provide insight into South Africa’s socioeconomic landscape, helping students understand the broader implications of economic development, inequality and trade. These lessons foster critical thinking about global interdependence and prepare students to engage in a world where economics knows no borders.
Lesson Plans, Slides and Resources
- Arkansas Exports (PowerPoint): World Trade Center
- Economic Development: Scarcity of Resources (Word doc): In this activity, students work in groups to use their allocated resources to fulfill the wants and needs of their citizenry. They discover that resources are scarce and therefore decisions must be made due to this resulting scarcity.
- End of Poverty (PowerPoint): insight into South Africa’s Socioeconomic Situation
- Lesson 1 (PDF): Why is Globalization so controversial?
- Globalization (PowerPoint): An overview of the Debate Over Globalization to make it easy for teachers
- Globalization (PowerPoint): Why People Trade Domestically and Internationally
- Globalization and the U.S. Economy (PowerPoint): History of trade, recent trends and why this is important
- Introductory Essay (Word doc): written by David Hummels from Purdue University, outlines the issues associated with the globalization debate
- Materials: how to order the curriculum from the Council for Economic Education.
- National Council on Economic Education (PDF): Why Is Globalization So Controversial?
- Why People Trade (PowerPoint)
- US Economy and Globalization (PowerPoint)
- Overview (PowerPoint): Presentation on South Africa
Arkansas Research and Economic Development
The Arkansas Research & Economic Development website serves as the central hub for showcasing the University of Arkansas’s research initiatives and economic development efforts. It features stories highlighting faculty achievements, innovative projects, and interdisciplinary collaborations that drive progress across the state and beyond. This website also provides updates on major grants, lab facilities, and opportunities for industry partnerships, reflecting the university’s commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering economic growth.
Below are a few articles that highlight the role that Arkansas industry plays in the Global Economy.
As Competitive Grain for Malting, Rice May Open Door to Increase Domestic Demand: Arkansas, the leading rice-producing state in the U.S., has seen a 7% decline in long-grain rice exports over the past 15 years. Developing a domestic market for malted rice could help offset this decrease and support the state’s rice industry. The study also highlights the potential for malted rice to serve as a viable brewing ingredient in tropical and subtropical regions that currently rely on imported barley. (April 28, 2025)
Rice, Rice, Baby: The “Rice, Rice, Baby” podcast episode from the University of Arkansas’s Short Talks from the Hill features Dr. Lanier Nalley, professor and department head of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness. Dr. Nalley discusses his research on rice production in Arkansas and its global implications, particularly concerning food security and environmental sustainability. (October 20, 2024)
Arkansas’ Lithium Economy and How the U of A Will Lead: The article titled “Arkansas’ Lithium Economy and How the U of A Will Lead” discusses the University of Arkansas’s strategic role in advancing the state’s emerging lithium industry. South Arkansas possesses one of North America’s most abundant lithium reserves, positioning the state as a potential leader in the lithium economy. (March 20, 2024)
