GeoEconomics Commentary & Analysis

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.

How data control is driving a new US-China economic divide 

By Jesse Sucher

China’s increased restrictions on corporate and financial data make it difficult for the United States and allies to enforce economic statecraft tools like sanctions and supply chain safeguards.

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.

Financial sanctions can disrupt fentanyl flows to the United States

By Kimberly Donovan, Maia Nikoladze, Mikael Pir-Budagyan, and Grace Kim

Fentanyl is one of the leading causes of death among young and middle-aged Americans. Financial sanctions should be used more frequently by the US government to tactically disrupt the trade of fentanyl and other illicit drugs.

Experts React: Georgia just concluded a contested election, with the country’s future at stake. Now what?

By Atlantic Council experts

After Saturday’s contested election in Georgia, our experts share their thoughts on whether the ruling Georgian Dream party will pull Tbilisi further toward Russia and how the West should respond.

The North Korea-Russia relationship is blossoming into a common market of autocracies

By John Park

Moscow and Pyongyang are devising and developing new business practices to supply each other while evading the reach of many US sanctions.

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.

Christine Lagarde’s message to the United States: Trade barriers and restrictions hold back prosperity

Lagarde joined the Atlantic Council to discuss Europe’s economic challenges and the path forward during the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings.

A crack in the BRICS: Iran’s economic challenges take center stage at Russia’s summit 

By Josh Lipsky, Alisha Chhangani

The reality is that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will show up to the BRICS leaders meeting and look for support across the BRICS not only in the military domain, but also for his country’s economy.

China’s economic stimulus isn’t enough to overcome that sinking feeling

By Jeremy Mark

Local governments are struggling under large amounts of debt, the property sector is heavily burdened, and Chinese leadership is preoccupied with just keeping the economy afloat.