Content

Issue Brief

Sep 29, 2025

The dollar’s role in the fight for US primacy

By Martin Mühleisen

The contours of the second Trump administration's trade and exchange rate policies are becoming clearer. Economic policies have now become inextricably linked with US foreign policy priorities, including the role of the dollar.

Economy & Business Eurozone

Issue Brief

Sep 29, 2025

Waiting for the Big Bang: Executing the European defense build-up in Germany

By Robin Fehrenbach, Jakob Flemming, and Julia Friedlander

When it comes to European defense spending, Germany can and should be the first mover. By leveraging private capital, the 5% NATO spending target can be seized as an opportunity to avert deindustrialization.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

Issue Brief

Sep 29, 2025

Stable US-EU trade requires a new approach to globalization

By Beth Baltzan

From the China shock to the breakdown of free trade, any assessment of the US-EU trade agreement and the future of transatlantic trade hinges on understanding the leverage that both parties brought to Scotland.

Economy & Business European Union

Issue Brief

Sep 22, 2025

A three-pillar strategy for institutional reform in Central and Eastern Europe

By Stephen Nix and Megan Tamisiea

This paper is the first in the Freedom and Prosperity Center's "Future of Democracy Assistance" series, which analyzes the many complex challenges to democracy around the world and highlights actionable policies that promote democratic governance.

Central Europe Democratic Transitions

Issue Brief

Sep 22, 2025

Expanding Syria’s multilateral development bank engagement

By Basil Kiwan

Estimates of Syria’s post-civil war cost of rebuilding range from $250 billion to $400 billion. To help finance reconstruction and development, Syria’s transitional government should expand its partnerships with international financial institutions (IFIs) and multilateral development banks (MDBs), as these institutions can play a key role in mobilizing global capital.

Economic Sanctions Economy & Business

Issue Brief

Sep 19, 2025

Secure supply chains for the US run through its closest neighbors

By Jose Manuel Restrepo and Martin Cassinelli

Central America and the Dominican Republic are emerging as key partners for US economic security. Strengthening rule of law, workforce skills, and trade frameworks can secure lasting, mutually beneficial economic integration.

Americas Caribbean

Issue Brief

Sep 17, 2025

Preparing US industry for a more competitive world

By David L. Goldwyn, Andrea Clabough

US companies must stay the course on decarbonization to ensure long-term global competitiveness—or risk being left behind as the world’s other major economies continue to prioritize sustainability.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Issue Brief

Sep 15, 2025

The Abraham Accords at five

By Allison Minor, Daniel B. Shapiro, Amir Hayek, Loay Alshareef, Ahmed Khuzaie, Sarah Zaaimi

On the fifth anniversary of the UAE, Bahrain, and Israel normalizing relations, American, Bahraini, Emirati, Israeli, and Moroccan authors reflect on the transformational change and “warm peace” envisioned by the Abraham Accords—a long-term, generational project.

Israel Middle East

Issue Brief

Sep 12, 2025

Trustworthy digital identities can set the standards for secure benefits provision in the US

By Ananya Kumar

The proliferation of online services necessitates verifiable digital IDs globally. While they can improve convenience and reduce fraud in benefits provision, they raise privacy concerns and surveillance risks. This paper examines US digital identity challenges, analyzes EU and Japan implementations, and provides policy recommendations for responsible digital ID development in the US.

Cybersecurity Digital Currencies

Issue Brief

Sep 11, 2025

Private industry should step up to protect the global maritime order

By Elisabeth Braw

Who should protect the global maritime order? While a growing number of countries have begun to violate maritime rules, the maritime sector has the opportunity, and an obligation, to help prevent further deterioration of the rules that underpin safe commerce and safe passage on the seas.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia