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

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

BelarusAlert

Aug 9, 2021

The new US sanctions on Belarus: Strong, but not enough

By Daniel Fried, Brian O’Toole

A reasonable set of targets, the sanctions are welcome news for the Belarusian opposition. But are they powerful enough to rattle President Lukashenka?

Belarus Eastern Europe

Blog Post

Aug 5, 2021

Foreign direct investment: A new strategy for the United States

By Amin Mohseni-Cheraghlou

With the recent inbound and outbound slowdown in US FDI, state-backed investment in strategic industries must be part of a US FDI strategy for the remainder of the twenty-first century.

Economy & Business Trade and tariffs

Blog Post

Jul 27, 2021

The time for US immigration reform is now

By Jeff Goldstein

The US is currently grappling with a multi-decade long trend of declining population rates leading to fewer and fewer workers. To meet the challenges of the future, US policymakers must manage declining population growth – and one of the best arrows in their economic policy quiver is comprehensive immigration reform.

Macroeconomics United States and Canada

Testimony

Jul 27, 2021

Friedlander testifies to the House Committee on Financial Services regarding US leadership on central bank digital currency development

By Julia Friedlander

C. Boyden Gray Senior Fellow and GeoEconomics Center Deputy Director Julia Friedlander testifies to the House Committee on Financial Services regarding central bank digital currencies.

China Digital Currencies

Blog Post

Jul 22, 2021

China and Sub-Saharan Africa trade: A case of growing interdependence

By Amin Mohseni-Cheraghlou

China’s total merchandise trade with Sub-Saharan Africa has increased by 1864% since 2001. Its increased presence in the region not only increases its access and influence, but also poses significant economic and security risks for the US and EU.

China East Africa

Fast Thinking

Jul 16, 2021

FAST THINKING: Biden’s China policy is coming into focus

By Atlantic Council

What do this week's moves on Xinjiang and Hong Kong signal about the Biden administration’s emerging China policy? Our experts on economic statecraft connect the dots.

China Economy & Business