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

CBDC Tracker cited by the Harvard National Security Journal on the tradeoffs in the development of a cross-border CBDC

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
CBDC Tracker cited by the Harvard National Security Journal on the tradeoffs in the development of a cross-border CBDC

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
CBDC Tracker cited by the Harvard National Security Journal on the tradeoffs in the development of a cross-border CBDC

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
CBDC Tracker cited by the Harvard National Security Journal on the tradeoffs in the development of a cross-border CBDC

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
CBDC Tracker cited by the Harvard National Security Journal on the tradeoffs in the development of a cross-border CBDC

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
CBDC Tracker cited by the Harvard National Security Journal on the tradeoffs in the development of a cross-border CBDC

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
CBDC Tracker cited by the Harvard National Security Journal on the tradeoffs in the development of a cross-border CBDC

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
CBDC Tracker cited by the Harvard National Security Journal on the tradeoffs in the development of a cross-border CBDC

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
CBDC Tracker cited by the Harvard National Security Journal on the tradeoffs in the development of a cross-border CBDC

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
CBDC Tracker cited by the Harvard National Security Journal on the tradeoffs in the development of a cross-border CBDC

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
CBDC Tracker cited by the Harvard National Security Journal on the tradeoffs in the development of a cross-border CBDC

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 23, 2025

Can the EU leverage economic pressure to broker a Gaza cease-fire?

By Lize de Kruijf

As diplomatic efforts falter, attention is turning to economic statecraft—the strategic use of trade and economic leverage to influence state behavior. The European Union (EU) and United States are Israel’s largest and second-largest trading partners, and any economic pressure they apply could have severe consequences for Israel’s economy.

Conflict Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

May 22, 2025

Gold’s geopolitical comeback: How physical and digital gold can be used to evade US sanctions

By Kimberly Donovan, Maia Nikoladze

The rise of gold-backed currencies that circumvent the US banking system could create a massive blind spot for US sanctions enforcement efforts.

Economic Sanctions Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

May 21, 2025

Europe is striking back at Russia’s shadow fleet. Here’s what to know about the latest EU and UK sanctions.

By Atlantic Council experts

This week, Brussels and London unveiled new sanctions against Russia and the fleet of oil tankers and other vessels covertly trading in Russian oil. Atlantic Council experts assess the moves.

Conflict Economic Sanctions
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Content

In the News

Jan 13, 2023

CBDC Tracker cited by the Harvard National Security Journal on the tradeoffs in the development of a cross-border CBDC

Read the full article here.

Digital Currencies Digital Policy

In the News

Jan 12, 2023

“Soft Landing? Global Economy 2023” event cited by Bloomberg

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Macroeconomics

In the News

Jan 12, 2023

Kumar interviewed by Revue Banque on the challenges posed in the development of CBDCs.

Read the full article here.

Digital Currencies Economy & Business

Testimony

Jan 12, 2023

Bauerle Danzman testifies to the Senate Banking Committee on examining outbound investment

By Sarah Bauerle Danzman

Senior Fellow Sarah Bauerle Danzman testifies on designing a balanced outbound investment screening regime.

China Economy & Business

UkraineAlert

Jan 12, 2023

Post-war Ukraine needs a smart digital transformation strategy

By Anatoly Motkin

The war with Russia is far from over but it is important to begin looking ahead and setting the stage for Ukraine's post-war digital transformation, writes StrategEast Center president Anatoly Motkin.

Civil Society Conflict

In the News

Jan 12, 2023

Lipsky was quoted by Financial Management Magazine on what finance needs to know about CBDCs

Read the full article here.

Digital Currencies Economy & Business

In the News

Jan 11, 2023

Propp in Lawfare: Gentlemen’s Rules for Reading Each Other’s Mail: The New OECD Principles on Government Access to Personal Data Held by Private Sector Entities

Europe Center nonresident senior fellow Kenneth Propp reviews the finalized version of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) “Declaration on Government Access to Personal Data Held by Private Sector Entities,” which aims to document protections government have in place for access to individuals’ data. The OECD declaration is a notable accomplishment because it […]

Digital Policy Economy & Business

In the News

Jan 10, 2023

CBDC Tracker cited by the National Interest on CBDCs potential use as a national currency.

Read the full article here.

Digital Currencies Digital Policy

In the News

Jan 10, 2023

Tran cited by the Bretton Woods Committee on the Fed’s reverse repo operations.

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Macroeconomics

Econographics

Jan 9, 2023

Fed reverse repos hit a new record: An unhealthy development

By Hung Tran

The Fed's large footprint in private short-term financial transactions will have largely negative implications for the US financial system and economy.

Economy & Business Macroeconomics
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Experts

Fellow

Aminata Niang

Visiting Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Africa Future of Work

European Leadership Accelerator Participant

Jacobo Ramos Folch

Policy Manager, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

Millennium Leadership Program

Central Europe Economy & Business

Fellow

Mark Mowrey

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Atlantic Council in Turkey

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Deng Liu

Visiting Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center

China East Asia

European Leadership Accelerator Participant

Martin-Sebastian Abel

Co-Founder & Managing Director, TransitionPlan

Millennium Leadership Program

Central Europe Economy & Business

Fellow

Christopher Aw

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economy & Business Intelligence
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Events

Public Event Tue, May 27, 2025 • 9:00 am ET

The Rt Hon Lord Mandelson on Britain in an enduring transatlantic relationship
Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia Politics & Diplomacy Security & Defense
Public Event Tue, June 3, 2025 • 1:00 pm ET

A conversation with Rep. French Hill on stablecoins and the future of money
Digital Currencies Financial Regulation
Public Event Wed, June 4, 2025 • 9:45 am ET

US-Central Asia Forum
Central Asia Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia Geopolitics & Energy Security
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