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.

New Atlanticist

Sep 10, 2021

Afghanistan’s ex-central bank chief: The Taliban has money to ‘run an insurgency but not a government’

By Dan Peleschuk

At an Atlantic Council event, Ajmal Ahmady discussed how the Taliban must govern a country short on cash and mired in multiple crises.

Afghanistan Conflict

New Atlanticist

Sep 9, 2021

Sanctions alone won’t tame the Taliban

By Brian O’Toole

The United States and its allies will need to wield both existing and new sanctions as strategically as possible, but changing the regime's behavior will be difficult.

Afghanistan Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

Blog Post

Sep 9, 2021

Afghanistan’s economy under the Taliban: the challenges ahead

By Inbar Pe’er

If their past is any indication of the future, the Taliban will find funds. But their ability to properly manage monetary policy remains to be seen. If they don’t, they’ll surely lose the economic war, and the people of Afghanistan along with it

Afghanistan Economy & Business

EconoGraphics

Sep 7, 2021

ASEAN’s COVID spike

By Niels Graham

Since April, Asia has experienced a wave of COVID suppressing growth throughout the region. The key question to watch is: will supply chain contagion once again follow the virus west?

East Asia Macroeconomics

Fast Thinking

Aug 31, 2021

FAST THINKING: The war is over, but the Afghanistan mission continues

By Atlantic Council

What will continued US engagement in Afghanistan look like? How will the Taliban govern? What will become of the country’s refugees?

Afghanistan Conflict

Fast Thinking

Aug 25, 2021

FAST THINKING: The clock is ticking in Afghanistan

By Atlantic Council

Biden is sticking to his August 31 timeline for withdrawing all American troops from Afghanistan. How will the coming days play out?

Afghanistan Conflict

New Atlanticist

Aug 24, 2021

Could China become the Taliban’s new benefactor?

By Amin Mohseni-Cheraghlou, Niels Graham

Beijing is eyeing major investments in Afghanistan—but it's up to the Taliban to ease its concerns about security.

Afghanistan China

New Atlanticist

Aug 23, 2021

They aren’t listed, but make no mistake: The UN has sanctions on the Taliban

By Brian O’Toole

As the militant group settles in to rule Afghanistan again, sanctions remain one of the only viable points of leverage for the international community. Here's what the UN's own rules say.

Afghanistan Economy & Business

EconoGraphics

Aug 23, 2021

IMF delivers fiscal firepower

By Niels Graham and William Howlett

On August 23 the IMF released a historic $650 billion allocation of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)

Inclusive Growth International Financial Institutions

New Atlanticist

Aug 10, 2021

Biden’s empty posts are a national security problem

By Brian O’Toole

The administration’s inaction on filling positions at the State and Treasury departments translates into real-world problems on everything from energy to rogue regimes to the US financial system.

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion National Security