The Economic Statecraft Initiative

Housed within the GeoEconomics Center, the Economic Statecraft Initiative (ESI) publishes leading-edge research and analysis on sanctions and the use of economic power to achieve foreign policy objectives and protect national security interests. Coercive and positive economic statecraft measures are increasingly used by the United States, European Union, and their allies and partners to address global challenges.

ESI convenes public events and private roundtable discussions to explore challenges and opportunities, providing policymakers and the private sector with unbiased data-driven analysis and actionable recommendations to shape economic statecraft solutions to global challenges.

The Economic Statecraft Initiative resides within the GeoEconomics Center, a translation hub at the nexus of economics, finance, and foreign policy with the goal of helping shape a better global economic future.

Research and Analysis

Testimony

On February 20, 2025, Economic Statecraft Initiative Director Kimberly Donovan testified to the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission at a hearing titled, “An Axis of Autocracy? China’s Relations with Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

Featured Report

The economic statecraft landscape is becoming more complex as transatlantic partners increasingly leverage economic power to counter transnational threats. There is a growing need to understand how these tools are used, by whom, and when, as well as their intended and real impacts worldwide.

Dispatches

Apr 8, 2026

Sanctions waivers on Russian and Iranian oil are set to expire. Here’s what Trump should do next.

By Maia Nikoladze, Daniel Fried

Washington should rely on already established mechanisms to limit revenue flows to both Tehran and Moscow.

Conflict Economy & Business

Dispatches

Mar 25, 2026

From drones to rocket fuel, China and Russia are helping Iran through supply chains

By Kimberly Donovan and Emily Ezratty

The US will need to confront China and Russia about their support for the Iranian regime and their schemes to evade sanctions and export controls.

China Conflict

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

Dispatches

Mar 5, 2026

Enforce sanctions to prevent Russia from benefitting in a prolonged Iran crisis

By Kimberly Donovan

Russia has millions of barrels of sanctioned oil it is ready to sell—unless the United States and its allies step up sanctions enforcement.

Conflict Energy & Environment

Dispatches

Feb 26, 2026

Lessons from Sudan for US economic engagement with Venezuela

By Lesley Chavkin

Sudan offers important lessons for the United States as it looks to stabilize Venezuela and rebuild its economy following the capture of Nicolás Maduro.

Economy & Business Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

Lexicon

Economic Statecraft Lexicon

A comprehensive resource designed to clarify and enhance understanding of key terms and concepts in the economic statecraft field. The Lexicon represents a collaborative effort to support more effective communication and informed decision-making on economic statecraft.

Events

Transatlantic Forum

The Transatlantic Forum on GeoEconomics is our annual flagship conference convening economic and financial leaders from both sides of the Atlantic, and launches cutting-edge research and analysis on transatlantic alignment on economic statecraft.

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Staff

Fellows

Content