Economy & Business

How the White House’s plan B on tariffs can give it all the trade leverage it needs

By Mark Linscott

The US Supreme Court recently struck down IEEPA tariffs, which the White House had used as leverage in trade talks, but there are other options.

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.

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.

Russian army faces comms crisis amid Starlink cut and Kremlin crackdown

By Katherine Spencer, Marc Goedemans

The Russian army in Ukraine is facing a growing communication crisis amid recent disruptions to Telegram and Starlink, leaving troops increasingly in the dark and exposing mounting strains inside Russia, write Katherine Spencer and Marc Goedemans.

How to deter Chinese aggression against Taiwan, with Rep. John Moolenaar

By the Atlantic Council

Congressman John Moolenaar, chairman of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, discusses how the United States and Taiwan can strengthen deterrence in the Taiwan Strait.

One month in, can Honduras’ new president put the country on the path to lasting economic gains?

By María Fernanda Bozmoski, Isabella Palacios

President Nasry Asfura’s early reforms have signaled a focus on fiscal austerity and competitiveness, sending positive messages to investors and to President Donald Trump, who backed him during the campaign. Sustaining this momentum will require significant structural reforms.

DFC reauthorization is here: The good, the bad, and the next steps for connectivity

The DFC reauthorization in the FY2026 NDAA gives the agency more capacity and new tools to counter Chinese digital infrastructure finance. This article assesses the changes against our connectivity-focused proposals, examining the good, the gaps, and what needs to happen next.

The state of great power competition in the Gulf

By Jonathan Fulton

This issue brief examines Gulf states' strategic positioning amid shifting global power dynamics, the opportunities and challenges of great power competition, and regional efforts toward de-escalation and development.

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.