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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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Econographics

May 12, 2025

Multilateralism under pressure: Takeaways from the 2025 IMF Spring Meetings

By Bart Piasecki

The 2025 IMF Spring Meetings unfolded against a backdrop of mounting geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation, and rising doubts about the future of multilateral cooperation. As global leaders gathered in Washington, DC, unease loomed large—fueled by ambiguous signals from the U.S., growing divergence among major economies, and a sobering downward revision of global growth forecasts. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva delivered a candid diagnosis of global risks while advocating for urgent trade, fiscal, and structural reforms. Meanwhile, a high-profile intervention by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reignited debates over the IMF’s evolving mandate, highlighting a deeper ideological contest over the role of international financial institutions in a fracturing world order.

International Financial Institutions Macroeconomics

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

Content

New Atlanticist

Nov 12, 2024

What Trump’s return as president means for COP29

By Jorge Gastelumendi

If the United States ends critical climate-related policies and investments, then even more Americans’ health, finances, and safety will be at risk.

Climate Change & Climate Action Economy & Business

In the News

Nov 8, 2024

Stephen Rodriguez in Defense News on shipbuilding

On November 8, Stephen Rodriguez, senior advisor at Forward Defense, published a piece in Defense News on the state of the maritime defense industrial base and its struggles recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce to meet the challenges of increased demand.

Defense Industry Economy & Business

Event Recap

Nov 8, 2024

MENA’s economic outlook for 2025 and beyond from the Atlantic Council’s IMF/World Bank Week 

By Kate Springs and Leila Ouhri

During this year’s World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Fall Meetings, the Atlantic Council’s empowerME Initiative, alongside the GeoEconomics Center, hosted a week of events that provided plentiful insights into the region’s economic outlook.   The Economic and Social Costs of the Gaza War “We’ve had the loss of lives, injuries, and the cessation of […]

Economy & Business Financial Regulation

In the News

Nov 8, 2024

Global China Hub Nonresident Senior Fellow Michael Schuman in Politico

By Michael Schuman

On November 7th, 2024, Global China Hub nonresident senior fellow Michael Schuman spoke to Politico’s E&E News about how how the second Trump administration may approach trade with China, and how this could impact American clean energy manufacturers.

China Economy & Business

In the News

Nov 6, 2024

Goldwyn quote in S&P Global on Trump’s approach to Russian oil sanctions

By David L. Goldwyn

Defense Policy Economic Sanctions

New Atlanticist

Nov 6, 2024

Rethinking international economic cooperation for the twenty-first century

By Rabah Arezki

In the twenty-first century, the challenge is to rebuild international economic governance in a world increasingly organized around geopolitical blocs.

Africa Americas

New Atlanticist

Nov 6, 2024

Donald Trump just won the presidency. Our experts answer the big questions about what that means for America’s role in the world.

By Atlantic Council experts

When Trump returns to the presidency on January 20 next year, a number of global challenges will be awaiting him. Our experts outline what to expect.

Conflict Economy & Business

Report

Nov 6, 2024

Iraq’s 2024 budget: Not what it appears when it first meets the eye

By Ahmed Tabaqchali

Iraq’s budget update seems straightforward but holds hidden complexities. A closer look uncovers discrepancies between appearances and realities, offering insights into Iraq’s fiscal strategy and the structural challenges shaping its economic future.

Economy & Business Iraq

In the News

Nov 5, 2024

Banks quoted in Politico on Trump policies on green subsidies and economic negotiations with Europe

By George David Banks

Democratic Transitions Energy Markets & Governance

New Atlanticist

Nov 5, 2024

To counter the Axis of Evasion, the US must tackle third-country procurement networks

By Kimberly Donovan

Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are increasing their coordination with illicit procurement networks through third countries.

China Economic Sanctions

Experts

Events