What is the Bretton Woods 2.0 project?

The Bretton Woods Institutions were created in 1944 in the hopes that stronger international economic coordination would prevent another world war. Today, more than 80 years later, these institutions need to be revitalized and reimagined for a transformed global economy.

In an era of fierce geopolitical rivalries and unprecedented crises at a global scale, there is a profound need for reforms to the world’s monetary and financial system. But how exactly? What would a Bretton Woods system look like if it first emerged today?

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2024 Annual Meetings Events

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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.

New Atlanticist

Jan 3, 2025

Five big questions about the global economy in 2025

By Josh Lipsky, Sophia Busch

The answers to each of these questions will help determine the United States’ economic standing in the next twenty-five years.

China Digital Currencies

New Atlanticist

Dec 3, 2024

The IMF and World Bank did well under the first Trump administration. Will they again?

By Martin Mühleisen

The geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China has become more intense since Trump’s first term, which could affect how the incoming administration approaches the Bretton Woods institutions.

Economy & Business International Financial Institutions
G20 Summit in Rio

Econographics

Nov 27, 2024

Divided COP29 and G20 Summits: A taste of things to come

By Hung Tran

President-Elect Trump’s “America First” approach is already raising concerns at the G20 and COP29.

Brazil Climate Change & Climate Action

Econographics

Nov 1, 2024

The underestimated implications of the BRICS Summit in Russia

By Hung Tran

It is a mistake for the West to dismiss the power of symbolism and narratives in the geopolitical competition for global influence.

Digital Currencies Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Oct 23, 2024

Christine Lagarde on European competitiveness, US tariffs, and creating a digital euro 

By Daniel Hojnacki

The European Central Bank president discussed the European Union’s ambitions for becoming more competitive and modernizing its payments systems.

Economy & Business European Union

Bretton Woods 2.0

Oct 21, 2024

Get an inside look at the IMF-World Bank meetings as finance leaders navigate a geopolitically fragmented world

By Atlantic Council experts

To gauge whether delegates can revive the world’s spirit of cooperation at the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings, we sent our experts to the center of the action in Foggy Bottom.

China Economy & Business

Econographics

Oct 18, 2024

The rising influence of geopolitics in economic crisis support

By Patrick Ryan and Amulya Natchukuri

Newer insurance mechanisms such as bilateral swap lines and regional financing arrangements are increasingly being used as political footballs.

Economy & Business Financial Regulation

Bretton Woods 2.0

Oct 11, 2024

Treasury’s Jay Shambaugh on why the US needs the IMF and World Bank in order to respond to crises

Watch the full event Speaker Jay ShambaughUnder Secretary for International Affairs, US Department of the Treasury Moderator Greg IpChief Economics Commentator, the Wall Street Journal Introduction Josh LipskySenior Director, GeoEconomics Center, Atlantic Council Event transcript Uncorrected transcript: Check against delivery JOSH LIPSKY: Good morning. Welcome to the Atlantic Council. I am Josh Lipsky, senior director […]

Economy & Business Financial Regulation

Econographics

Oct 4, 2024

The IMF needs to find its geopolitical bearing

By Martin Mühleisen

Western delegates should think hard about how the financial and intellectual capital invested in the institutions can be put to better use in the interests of democracies around the world.

Economy & Business Financial Regulation

Econographics

Sep 27, 2024

The IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in 2024: Five important issues to be addressed

By Hung Tran

Despite intense geopolitical contention that has stymied international cooperation, the October gathering could nevertheless lead to agreements to stabilize a volatile global economy.

Economy & Business International Financial Institutions