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.

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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

Econographics

Feb 24, 2026

In Munich, a reminder that economic security is national security

By Kimberly Donovan, Lize de Kruijf

Policymakers at this year's MSC raised economic security as an issue that they cannot cordon off separately from traditional security issues.

Economy & Business European Union

Econographics

Feb 24, 2026

The European Central Bank’s next president may decide the fate of the digital euro

By Alisha Chhangani, Jacopo Pastorelli

The four frontrunners don't oppose the digital euro, but their positions differ on pace, framing, and the risks they're most concerned about.

Digital Currencies Economy & Business

Econographics

Feb 20, 2026

To bridge the transatlantic productivity divide, Europe needs structural reforms—and AI

By Hung Tran

Policymakers and investors should actively incentivize laggard firms to adopt productivity-enhancing practices and technologies.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

Econographics

Feb 12, 2026

Despite US exemptions, the show goes on for a global minimum corporate tax

By Jeff Goldstein

The United States may have carved out protections for its multinationals, but the global minimum tax continues to move forward. With more than sixty-five countries implementing the OECD framework, policymakers are betting imperfect progress will prevent a relapse into corporate tax competition.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

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

Econographics

Feb 6, 2026

Iran can still normalize its economy—but the path will be painful and slow

By Bart Piasecki

Iran’s inflation crisis is driven by persistent exchange‑rate instability, entrenched fiscal dominance, and international sanctions. Despite these structural challenges, there remains a clear—but difficult—path toward economic normalization.

Dollar Dominance Economy & Business

Content

Sunset at the Treasury Department

Econographics

May 23, 2023

There is no alternative to US Treasuries

By Josh Lipsky

In the wake of a US default, investors searching for safe assets may have no viable alternative to US Treasuries.

China Economy & Business

Econographics

May 19, 2023

<strong>Can FedNow bring the US closer to real-time payments?</strong>

By Piret Loone

This year, the US will launch its FedNow instant payment network. But even after FedNow launches, the US will still have a ways to go before consumers can access instantaneous digital payments.

Economy & Business Financial Regulation

Econographics

May 15, 2023

The US debt ceiling stalemate threatens money market funds—and financial stability

By Hung Tran

Money markets would be the first to react to a debt ceiling breach, heightening market turmoil at the wrong time and helping to raise the odds of a severe recession.

Economy & Business Financial Regulation

Econographics

May 10, 2023

What is the G7 still exporting to Russia? 

By Niels Graham

One year into the Russia's invasion G7 nations continue to export nearly $5B a month to Moscow. A new proposal by the US at the G7 could greatly reduce this.

Economy & Business European Union

Econographics

May 8, 2023

<strong>Japan’s monetary trilemma is a warning to the world</strong>

By Mark Siegel

High inflation, high levels of debt, and uncertain financial stability - Washington, London, Brussels, Frankfurt and beyond have much to learn from Tokyo's experience.

Economy & Business Financial Regulation

Econographics

May 1, 2023

Russia Sanctions Database: May 2023

Explore featured insight part of the May 2023 edition of Atlantic Council's Russia Sanctions Database.

Russia Ukraine

Econographics

Apr 27, 2023

The root causes of geopolitical fragmentation

By Hung Tran

Geoeconomic fragmentation is on the rise. Policymakers need to address the root causes: inequality left in the wake of globalization, and the crisis of trust between major countries.

Americas China

Econographics

Apr 26, 2023

Why emerging markets are stocking up on gold

By Phillip Meng

Financial stability concerns, sanctions, and inflation contributed to the largest net purchases of gold in over seventy years last year—raising questions about its potential role in de-dollarization.

Africa Americas

Econographics

Apr 24, 2023

<strong>Practice makes perfect: What China wants from its digital currency in 2023</strong>

By Ananya Kumar

The e-CNY network has expanded over the last year, and China's goals have only become clearer. Domestically, the People’s Bank of China is still in test-and-learn mode, globally, China is more focused on setting defining international standards.

China Cybersecurity

Econographics

Apr 20, 2023

The US is relying more on China for pharmaceuticals—and vice versa 

By Niels Graham

US China trade of pharmaceutical and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) is rapidly increasing. Supply chain mapping will be key to risk management

China Economy & Business