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.

Podcast

May 5, 2026

Are we headed toward a US-China trade showdown?

By the GeoEconomics Center

With US President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing less than two weeks away, Josh and Jessie sit down with the Wall Street Journal’s chief China correspondent, Lingling Wei, to break down what issues will shape the agenda: from the Iran war to Washington’s push for “rules of origin,” which could fundamentally reshape trade relations. They also dig into the backroom drama of past high-level visits, including shouting matches and fistfights.

Podcast

May 1, 2026

The IEA’s Fatih Birol on ‘the greatest energy security threat in history’

By The Atlantic Council

The war in Iran continues with no clear end in sight, fueling economic turbulence and concerns of a global energy crisis. International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol spoke at an AC Front Page event on April 13th, and argued the conflict is the greatest energy security threat in history. He warned that oil prices will soon “converge” with the on-the-ground reality, knocking the global economy further into disarray.

Economy & Business European Union

Econographics

Apr 29, 2026

What swap, Gulf?

By Charles Lichfield and Maxamillian Rajaobelina-Phipps

Amidst the chaos of the conflict in the Middle East, there’s been a buzz around offering dollar currency swaps to allies. Those have traditionally been the territory of central banks, but this time around, Treasury is taking the lead.

Economy & Business

Econographics

Apr 22, 2026

In renegotiating the USMCA, Mexico should neither rush nor stall

By Phil Lovegren, Ernesto Stein

With the USMCA under review, Mexico faces a delicate balance: rushing risks economic harm, but delay brings uncertainty—making patience a viable fallback strategy.

Economy & Business Financial Regulation

Transcript

Apr 17, 2026

Banque de France Governor François Villeroy de Galhau: ‘Europe and America will either win together or fall together’

By Atlantic Council

At an Atlantic Council event, the French central bank governor said that the US Supreme Court tariff decision “reminds us that American checks and balances might well be alive,” but it has “reopened legal uncertainty."

Economy & Business European Union

Econographics

Apr 14, 2026

The debt comes due—but there is no one to pick up the tab

By Bart Piasecki

Many of the IMF’s latest warnings center on the fallout of the Iran war. But another key message has focused on debt: because the world has neglected fiscal consolidation for more than two decades, the time to reverse course is now.

Economy & Business Macroeconomics

EconoGraphics

Apr 13, 2026

Inside the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings as leaders grapple with war and supply shocks

By Atlantic Council experts

Amid war in the Middle East and an unprecedented energy shock, we sent our experts to the IMF and World Bank headquarters for their insights on the future of the global economy.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Event Recap

Apr 8, 2026

Ajay Banga on responding to this economic crisis: ‘Focus on policies’ that ‘create jobs’

By Katherine Golden

At an AC Front Page event, Banga cautioned countries to "be careful" not to “put your country into an even bigger problem downstream" while responding to the Iran war.

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

Podcast

Apr 8, 2026

What’s behind Tehran’s tollbooth?

By the GeoEconomics Center

Last month, Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz. Now, reports are emerging that it is charging some tankers massive fees to transit. But how exactly does Tehran's "tollbooth" operate?

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Transcript

Apr 7, 2026

The World Bank Group’s Ajay Banga: Expect higher inflation, lower growth from this global crisis

By Atlantic Council

Banga dropped by Atlantic Council headquarters for his curtain-raiser speech before the 2026 IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings, where he talked about his jobs agenda and the fast-changing global economy.

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth