Econographics

Econographics

Econographics is the GeoEconomics Center’s in-depth look at key trends in the global economy utilizing state-of-the-art data visualization tools.

COMMENTARY & ANALYSIS

Econographics deep dives

Special sections that go inside the Chinese economy, the evolution of sanctions, and the future of money.

 

Sinographs

In-depth analysis of economic and financial trends in the Chinese economy.

Fintech frontlines

Research and analysis on the intersection of technology and policy developments in finance.

Global sanctions dashboard

Monthly analysis of global sanctions regimes—highlighting new listings, delistings, and the motivations behind these changes.

Featured analysis

The debt comes due—but there is no one to pick up the tab

Econographics Feb 10, 2026

China’s warning on US Treasuries—and why its timing matters

By Jeremy Mark, Josh Lipsky

Beijing has joined the conversation on the dollar. It was leaked this week that Chinese regulators have been urging domestic financial institutions to cut back on US Treasuries, and this timing is no coincidence.
China Dollar Dominance
The debt comes due—but there is no one to pick up the tab

Econographics Feb 4, 2026

Understanding the vibe shift on the dollar

By Daniel McDowell, Bart Piasecki, Jessie Yin

Gold prices surged to record highs last week, driven by trade tensions, tariffs, and dollar uncertainty. For some, the rally signals rising skepticism about the greenback’s stability—even as policymakers insist the US remains committed to a strong dollar.
Dollar Dominance Economy & Business
The debt comes due—but there is no one to pick up the tab

Econographics Jan 22, 2026

When will Wall Street’s tolerance for uncertainty run out?

By Jessie Yin, Josh Lipsky

In a decade of geoeconomic shocks, few events have truly shaken investor confidence. But Wall Street may be too complacent to political volatility.
Economy & Business Macroeconomics

Latest analysis

Bulk carrier ship in river port. Dry cargo grain elevator trade. Agrarian maritime facility. Cargo ship in the sea. Sunset view. factory on the water.

Econographics

Apr 5, 2024

Ukraine’s grain exports are crucial to Africa’s food security

By Yulia Bychkovska

Moscow is trying to increase Africa’s dependence on its imports by blocking the exports of Ukrainian grain. By helping Ukraine sell its grain, the West can offer the African continent an alternative to Russia’s grain and decrease Russia’s profits.

Africa Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

Econographics

Mar 28, 2024

Understanding the debate over IMF quota reform

By Hung Tran

The politics and mathematics of reform are tougher than they appear. A simple reform matching quotas to global economic weight will not be welcomed by many countries.

Africa China

Econographics

Mar 26, 2024

Housing costs are slowing down the US climate transition

By Joseph Webster

The US housing shortage has profound economic consequences. Less discussed is the fact that it is slowing down the US climate transition.

Energy Transitions Financial Regulation
World Bank-IMF Meeting in Marrakesh

Econographics

Mar 25, 2024

Making Africa a top priority for Bretton Woods Institutions

By Amin Mohseni-Cheraghlou

With deeper engagement of Bretton Woods institutions, African economies can seize the moment and become the engine of global growth.

Africa Fiscal and Structural Reform
Blue Globe viewing from space at night with connections between cities

Econographics

Mar 20, 2024

Global Sanctions Dashboard: How Hamas raises, uses, and moves money

By Kimberly Donovan, Maia Nikoladze, Ryan Murphy, and Alessandra Magazzino

How Hamas raises, uses, and moves money; How sanctions are used to counter Hamas and combat the financing of terrorism; Where governments align and diverge in their approaches to combat this activity.

European Union Financial Regulation

Econographics

Mar 14, 2024

CBDCs will need to work across borders. Here are the models exploring how to do it

By Ananya Kumar, Alisha Chhangani

These innovative models reflect a clear realization in the both the public and private sector— as CBDCs become a part of the financial landscape, there needs to be a mechanism to interchange them across borders.

Digital Currencies Economy & Business

Econographics

Mar 12, 2024

Stalled growth in the UK, Germany, and Japan darken global economic outlook

By Josh Lipsky and Alisha Chhangani

The world's two largest economies won't be able to generate enough growth for the UK, Germany, and Japan—it is going to have to happen from within.

Economy & Business Fiscal and Structural Reform

Econographics

Mar 8, 2024

How banking regulations affect US foreign policy

By Charles Lichfield

Economics, finance, and national security overlap. Obvious areas include sanctions and trade policy. But US foreign policymaker are now also expected to develop some knowledge of critical minerals . Banking regulations may seem a step too far, but they too carry foreign policy implications.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

Econographics

Mar 7, 2024

Unpacking China’s 2024 growth target and economic agenda

By Hung Tran

At the opening of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) Premier Li Quang delivered his first Government Work Report, setting the key economic and social policies and targets for this year.

China Economy & Business

Econographics

Mar 1, 2024

Climate, drought, and the disrupted future of global trade

By Amin Mohseni-Cheraghlou, Sophia Busch

Climate change threatens the efficient functioning of waterways, canals, and seaports—and therefore is a major threat to global trade.

Climate Change & Climate Action Economy & Business
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Content

Econographics

Apr 14, 2026

The debt comes due—but there is no one to pick up the tab

By Bart Piasecki

Many of the IMF’s latest warnings center on the fallout of the Iran war. But another key message has focused on debt: because the world has neglected fiscal consolidation for more than two decades, the time to reverse course is now.

Economy & Business Macroeconomics

EconoGraphics

Apr 13, 2026

Inside the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings as leaders grapple with war and supply shocks

By Atlantic Council experts

Amid war in the Middle East and an unprecedented energy shock, we sent our experts to the IMF and World Bank headquarters for their insights on the future of the global economy.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Econographics

Apr 2, 2026

No IMF and World Bank spring meetings without a global crisis

By Hung Tran

The Iran war's supply-side shock is testing the IMF and World Bank ahead of their 2026 spring meetings. While financial support is in the works, it’s unclear what policy recommendations they can offer member states to manage the fallout.

Economy & Business International Financial Institutions

Econographics

Mar 27, 2026

The Iran war’s economic fallout won’t stop at oil—agriculture and aluminum are next

By Eduardo Gomez Horta and Amin Mohseni-Cheraghlou

The Iran war’s impact isn’t limited to oil. Fertilizer shortages now threaten spring corn planting, while aluminum markets are strained—signaling broader disruptions to food prices, industry, and global supply chains.

Economy & Business

Econographics

Mar 20, 2026

In the Iran crisis, the IMF’s voice is urgently needed

By Martin Mühleisen

As the Iran crisis chokes the Strait of Hormuz and rattles global energy markets, the IMF has offered little more than cautious statements. The institution must develop real-time, scenario-driven analysis.

Economy & Business Iran

Econographics

Mar 18, 2026

The Iran oil shock may be different from other price spikes

By Josh Lipsky, Bart Piasecki, Jessie Yin

Over half of global crude oil and gas production originate from countries openly engaged in major conflicts. We haven't seen such a concentration of output affected by conflicts since World War II.

Economy & Business Macroeconomics

Econographics

Mar 12, 2026

By threatening the Strait of Hormuz, Iran turns geography into a global economic weapon

By Alex Mills

Iran’s threat to attack vessels in the Strait of Hormuz has effectively shut down one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes, turning geography into a powerful economic weapon.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Econographics

Mar 10, 2026

The renminbi is winning over Africa—but can it rival the dollar?

By Lize de Kruijf

In recent years, African governments have taken steps to reduce reliance on the dollar, but progress on their regional payment system has been slow—and in the meantime, China’s renminbi is quietly making inroads across Africa’s trade and finance networks.

Africa China

Econographics

Mar 9, 2026

Middle powers are rewriting the playbook for gender‑equal growth

By Nicole Goldin

Middle powers are advancing gender-equal growth by pairing domestic economic reforms with coalition leadership in global institutions.

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

Econographics

Feb 25, 2026

The US and Mexico need stronger financial cooperation to disrupt illicit financial flows

By Phil Lovegren

Killing cartel leaders grabs headlines, but lasting progress in curbing the illicit drug trade requires following the money. If the United States and Mexico truly want to tackle organized crime, they must deepen cooperation to disrupt the financial flows that sustain it.

Economy & Business Financial Crimes & Illicit Trade
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