GeoEconomics Commentary & Analysis

We offer real-time analysis and commentary on a range of economic issues including international trade, economic sanctions, the European economy, and inclusive growth.

Dedollorization and RMB internationalization

Econographics

Jan 22, 2024

Dedollarization is not just geopolitics, economic fundamentals matter

By Niels Graham, Hung Tran

Geopolitical explanations have dominated recent analysis on dedollorization. While it is certainly a key factor, macroeconomics matter as well. US interest rates and a rising dollar are encouraging other countries to search for alternatives.

Brazil China

Econographics

Jan 19, 2024

The IMF’s perspective on CBDCs

By Tobias Adrian

Tobias Adrian outlines the IMF's view on CBDCs' potential for payment systems, financial inclusion, and cross-border payments, emphasizing innovation and collaboration for effective implementation.

Digital Currencies Digital Policy

New Atlanticist

Jan 17, 2024

The Houthis are again ‘specially designated global terrorists.’ Here’s what that means. 

By Atlantic Council experts

The Biden administration just returned the Iran-backed group in Yemen to the US terrorist list, but it did not designate the Houthis a foreign terrorist organization. Atlantic Council experts explain what the decision means.

Conflict Crisis Management

Issue Brief

Jan 16, 2024

Developing an agenda for international financial institutions and central bank digital currency

By Greg Brownstein and Utsav Saksena

Is the emerging architecture appropriate, effective, and sufficient to manage the global transition to digital money? This report focuses on three domains: financial stability, development and financial inclusion, and global payment systems.

Digital Currencies Economy & Business

Issue Brief

Jan 16, 2024

Governance reform of the Bretton Woods Institutions

By Sienna Nordquist and Joel Christoph

The paper emphasizes the need for a governance reform roadmap at the IMF and World Bank focusing on quota reallocation, diplomatic efforts, and a commitment to diversity and democratic principles.

Economy & Business European Union

Issue Brief

Jan 16, 2024

Navigating subsidy reform at the WTO

By Sona Muzikarova and Sophia Busch

The legitimacy of the World Trade Organization is in question. The United States and its allies, and leaders in the organization, can better wield its potential to address global issues, specifically to reduce inefficiencies from fragmentation caused by subsidies.

Economy & Business Fiscal and Structural Reform

Fast Thinking

Jan 13, 2024

Beijing’s least favorite candidate wins Taiwan’s presidential election

By Atlantic Council

From Taipei to Washington, our experts weigh in on the implications of Lai's presidential election victory.

China Elections

New Atlanticist

Jan 12, 2024

Argentina needs reforms even more than the IMF’s money

By Martin Mühleisen

Buenos Aires must take a sustained path of economic reform or face an uncertain future with prolonged misery, social hardship, and continued decline.

Argentina Economy & Business
China, In the center of the capital in a new commercial building construction

Econographics

Jan 10, 2024

China’s local government debts are coming due

By Jeremy Mark

China's economic slowdown brings local government debts into sharp focus, threatening infrastructure and social services.

China Economy & Business
The view of boats on the red Sea.

Econographics

Jan 8, 2024

The long shadow of the Red Sea shipping disruption

By Alex Mills

Recent attacks on shipping moving through the red sea have exposed broader risks around international maritime commerce. Policy makers must use this wake-up call to build a more resilient international shipping ecosystem.

East Africa Economy & Business