Programs

At the intersection of economics, finance, and foreign policy, the GeoEconomics Center is a translation hub with the goal of helping shape a better global economic future.

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Featured Analysis

Lichfield cited in Bloomberg on using Russian frozen funds for Ukrainian reconstruction

Issue Brief Apr 28, 2025

Modernizing the tools of economic statecraft to meet the challenges of today

By Lesley Chavkin, Eitan Danon, Kimberly Donovan, Andrew Gallucci, and Caroline Hill

As the current administration revisits the functions and mechanics of government, near-term steps can be taken, under existing statutory authorities, to modernize how the United States uses its economic strength to combat national security threats and promote American interests.
Economy & Business Financial Regulation
Lichfield cited in Bloomberg on using Russian frozen funds for Ukrainian reconstruction

Fast Thinking Apr 22, 2025

Is the global economy headed for a reset, recession, or both?

By Atlantic Council

The International Monetary Fund has just released its latest World Economic Outlook. Atlantic Council experts dig into the details.
Economy & Business International Financial Institutions
Lichfield cited in Bloomberg on using Russian frozen funds for Ukrainian reconstruction

Fast Thinking Apr 10, 2025

What to expect as Trump’s trade war zeroes in on China

By Atlantic Council

On April 9, US President Donald Trump announced that he would suspend many of his “liberation day” import tariffs—but he raised the tariff on China to 145 percent.
China Economy & Business
Lichfield cited in Bloomberg on using Russian frozen funds for Ukrainian reconstruction

New Atlanticist Apr 7, 2025

The IMF is a good deal for the US. Here’s how Trump can help make it even more effective.

By Elizabeth Shortino

The institution provides the United States a significant source of economic leverage, helps prevent financial crises, and serves as a counterweight to China’s influence.
Economy & Business International Financial Institutions
Lichfield cited in Bloomberg on using Russian frozen funds for Ukrainian reconstruction

New Atlanticist Mar 31, 2025

Dispatch from Hong Kong: How the ‘geoeconomic city’ is weathering global headwinds

By Josh Lipsky, Ananya Kumar

From Chinese and US economic growth to stablecoin regulations, a recent visit to Hong Kong offered important insights for two Atlantic Council GeoEconomics Center experts.
China Digital Currencies
Lichfield cited in Bloomberg on using Russian frozen funds for Ukrainian reconstruction

EconoGraphics Apr 17, 2025

Russia Sanctions Database: November 2024

By Kimberly Donovan, Maia Nikoladze

The Atlantic Council’s Russia Sanctions Database tracks the restrictive economic measures Western allies have placed on Russia and evaluates whether these measures are successful in achieving the stated objectives.
China East Asia

In-Depth Research

In the News Nov 15, 2024

Avoiding Entanglement: G20 Responses in a Taiwan Crisis report cited by the Wall Street Journal on how China would respond to trade restrictions from the West

Read the full article here
Brazil China
Lichfield cited in Bloomberg on using Russian frozen funds for Ukrainian reconstruction

Report Oct 22, 2024

The economic and social costs of the war in Gaza

By Perrihan Al-Riffai

After a year of war, Israel, the Palestinian territories, and neighboring countries need a permanent ceasefire. But with development gains erased, billions of dollars in infrastructure damaged, and skyrocketing unemployment, the Middle East also urgently needs a solid reconstruction plan.
Conflict Israel
Lichfield cited in Bloomberg on using Russian frozen funds for Ukrainian reconstruction

Report Oct 9, 2024

End of the line: The cost of faltering reforms

By Atlantic Council GeoEconomics Center and Rhodium Group

The China Pathfinder project examines whether China’s economy is converging or diverging with the world’s leading open market economies.
China Digital Policy
Lichfield cited in Bloomberg on using Russian frozen funds for Ukrainian reconstruction

Issue Brief Sep 20, 2024

Toward a financial inclusion agenda for the global majority

By Nicole Goldin

Policymakers, investors, and innovators must advance a new financial inclusion agenda designed for the global majority.
Economy & Business Fiscal and Structural Reform
Lichfield cited in Bloomberg on using Russian frozen funds for Ukrainian reconstruction

Report Sep 9, 2024

Sharing the post carbon economy means building a resilient EV supply chain

By Sarah Bauerle Danzman

In this report Sarah Bauerle Danzman advances the policy discussion by compiling trade, investment, and EV industrial policy data across the G20, and offers six recommendations to the G20 to build a resilient EV supply chain.
Brazil China
Lichfield cited in Bloomberg on using Russian frozen funds for Ukrainian reconstruction

Report Jun 7, 2024

Reconstructing Ukraine at war: The journey to prosperity starts now

By John E. Herbst, Olga Khakova, Charles Lichfield

Rebuilding the Ukrainian economy after Russia’s full-scale invasion will be a monumental task. Reconstruction can’t wait for peace and must be a well-coordinated, inclusive process.
Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Read the latest from the GeoEconomics Center

Econographics

May 8, 2025

Pope Leo XIV’s electors represented Catholics’ changing economic distribution

By Israel Rosales

While the direction Pope Leo XIV will take the Church is unclear at this early stage, he’s unlikely to reverse Pope Francis’s push to elevate voices from the Global South.

Economy & Business International Financial Institutions

EconoGraphics

Apr 30, 2025

US-EU sanctions divergence would spell trouble for multinational companies

By Jesse Sucher

The fracturing of traditional alliances carries significant consequences for companies facing multijurisdictional compliance obligations, meaning an already complex situation will become more chaotic.

Economic Sanctions Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Apr 29, 2025

Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman on how technology can be used to tackle financial crime

By John Cookson

Artificial intelligence and other new technologies are needed to address the problem of illicit funds in the global financial system, Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman told the Atlantic Council on April 25.

Economy & Business Financial Regulation
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Content

In the News

Feb 28, 2024

Lichfield cited in Bloomberg on using Russian frozen funds for Ukrainian reconstruction

Read the full article here.

Economic Sanctions Financial Regulation

New Atlanticist

Feb 28, 2024

Palestinians need a reimagined payments system to rebuild their economy

By Ananya Kumar

A shekel-backed stablecoin is one tool that could aid in the reconstruction of Gaza and the wider strengthening of the Palestinian economy.

Digital Currencies Economy & Business

In the News

Feb 27, 2024

Shaffer quoted in S&P Global on Iranian oil exports
Iran Middle East

Econographics

Feb 27, 2024

Future-proofing the World Trade Organization

By Penny Naas

During the WTO's 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, ministers must make progress on the WTO's negotiations and dispute settlement processes.

China Economy & Business

In the News

Feb 26, 2024

Garlauskas, Webster, and Verges quoted in the Diplomat on China’s aid to Russia

On February 24, a New Atlanticist article by Markus Garlauskas, Global Energy Center Senior Fellow Joseph Webster, and Emma Verges, titled, “China’s support for Russia has been hindering Ukraine’s counteroffensive,” was quoted in a Diplomat piece on China’s economic and material support to Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.

China Conflict

Report

Feb 26, 2024

Redefining US strategy with Latin America and the Caribbean for a new era

By Jason Marczak, María Fernanda Bozmoski, Matthew Kroenig

The strategic interest of the United States and the countries of Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) lies in strengthening their western hemisphere partnership. However, the perception of waning US interest and the rise of external influences necessitate the rejuvenation of and renewed focus on this partnership.

Caribbean Economy & Business

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

Mexico’s vital institutions face decline

By Vanessa Rubio-Márquez

Mexico's institutions are vital for freedoms, but face decline. To advance, it needs strong governance, growth, and redistribution. Despite potential growth from favorable conditions, risks persist. Strengthening governance and productivity is crucial for prosperity.

Economy & Business Freedom and Prosperity

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

Saudi Arabia’s economic shifts under MBS raise stability concerns

By Rabah Arezki

Saudi Arabia's economic transformation under MBS maintains political control, risking instability amid regional conflicts. Reliance on public funds for investments may falter as the world shifts from fossil fuels, and demands for political freedom grow.

Economy & Business Freedom and Prosperity

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

Pakistan faces urgent need for comprehensive reforms to spur long-term growth and stability

By Ali Cheema

Pakistan needs extensive economic and institutional reforms to boost long-term growth and prosperity. These reforms involve improving property rights, increasing public investment in education and health, and addressing political polarization. A new political settlement is necessary to foster stability and enable these reforms.

Freedom and Prosperity Inclusive Growth

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

Rising US public debt threatens economic freedom

By Edward Glaeser

US public debt has surged, posing risks to economic freedom. Despite stability expectations, reforms are needed, like deregulating small businesses and improving urban schools. However, political polarization and the dominance of identity politics hinder progress towards these goals.

Economy & Business Education
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Experts

Staff

Raul Brens Jr.

Director

GeoTech Center

Artificial Intelligence Climate Change & Climate Action

Staff

Peter Brooks

Consultant

GeoTech Center

Security & Defense Technology & Innovation

Fellow

Erik Brattberg

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center

Danish Digital Policy

Millennium fellow

Nathan Bruschi

Chief Executive Officer, Anchorwork Inc.

Millennium Leadership Program

Civil Society East Asia

Fellow

Chris Brummer

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoEconomics Center

Digital Currencies Economic Sanctions

Staff

Sophia Busch

Assistant Director

GeoEconomics Center

Middle East Trade and tariffs
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Events

Online Event Tue, May 13, 2025 • 10:00 am ET

Rethinking US policy options in Afghanistan
Afghanistan Economy & Business Human Rights Politics & Diplomacy
Public Event Fri, May 16, 2025 • 9:00 am ET

Critical minerals and the pathways to prosperity, peace, and security in the DRC
Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo Economy & Business Politics & Diplomacy
Flagship Event Tue, September 30, 2025 • 9:00 am ET

2025 Transatlantic Forum on GeoEconomics

The Transatlantic Forum on GeoEconomics is an annual conference convening economic and financial leaders from both sides of the Atlantic.
Digital Policy Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia European Union