Economics | Council on Foreign Relations

Currency Reserves

The Dollar in American Foreign Policy: A Look Back and Ahead

Jeffrey E. Garten, dean emeritus at the Yale School of Management and a former undersecretary of commerce for international trade, is the author of the forthcoming book, Three Days at Camp David: How a Secret Meeting in 1971 Transformed the Global Economy. Garten discusses the historical consequences of the Nixon administration’s decision fifty years ago to sever the dollar from its gold backing and the challenges the fiat dollar faces now and going forward.

Webinar by Jeffrey E. Garten June 29, 2021
Labor and Employment

Ending Human Trafficking in the 21st Century Symposium

The Ending Human Trafficking in the Twenty-First Century Symposium reflects on efforts to combat human trafficking over the past two decades and explores new tools to accelerate progress at home and abroad. The full agenda is available here. This symposium is cosponsored with the Women and Foreign Policy Program.

Virtual Event by Anita Ramasastry, Guy Ryder and Brent Wilton June 28, 2021
International Law

The Supreme Court Denied a Child Labor Claim Against U.S. Firms: What to Know

Though Nestlé and Cargill were not held accountable for child labor in their supply chains, the Supreme Court upheld the precedent that corporate decisions are subject to international law.

Article by David J. Scheffer June 25, 2021

Technology and Innovation

When the Microchips Are Down

Silicon chips are in almost all electronics, and access to them can make or break a country’s economic future. Their production relies on complex supply chains, and during the pandemic, the world learned just how fragile these supply chains are. Many countries, including the United States and China, are investing billions of dollars to develop the capacity to produce chips domestically, and some analysts see chip-related conflict on the horizon.

Podcast with Gabrielle Sierra , Don Clark, Rebecca Heilweil, Ajit Manocha and David Sacks June 23, 2021 Why It Matters
Technology and Innovation

CEO Speaker Series With Kathy Warden of Northrop Grumman

Please join Kathy Warden as she discusses technological advancements in the aerospace and defense industry and her perspective as a CEO in the national security arena. The CEO Speaker Series is a unique forum for leading global CEOs to share their insights on issues at the center of commerce and foreign policy, and to discuss the changing role of business globally.

Virtual Event by Kathy Warden June 23, 2021 CEO Speaker Series
Economics

Foreign Policy for the Middle Class, With Rozlyn Engel

Rozlyn Engel, distinguished professor of the practice in economics at the U.S. Naval Academy, nonresident scholar in the Geo-Economics and Strategy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, sits down with James M. Lindsay to discuss the relationship between foreign policy and the success of the middle class.

Podcast with James M. Lindsay and Rozlyn Engel June 22, 2021 The President's Inbox

Women and Economic Growth

Women and E-Commerce: The $300 Billion Opportunity

Closing the gender gap on online platforms means being able to put billions of dollars into the wallets of women entrepreneurs and exponentially grow global e-commerce markets. This blog is authored by Stephanie von Friedeburg, senior vice president of operations at the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Blog Post by Guest Blogger for Women Around the World June 22, 2021 Women Around the World
Trade

Biden’s Trade Policy for the Middle Class Takes Shape—And it Begins in Europe

Europe holds the key to President Biden's trade agenda.

Blog Post by Jennifer Hillman and Alex Tippett June 18, 2021 Renewing America
Economics

Prospects for a Global Minimum Tax Rate

Panelists discuss the prospects of a global minimum tax rate, including how it might be structured, when it might come into effect, and how companies, governments, and consumers will be affected.

Virtual Event by Ronald E. Creamer Jr. and Bob Stack June 16, 2021
State and Local Governments (U.S.)

The American Rescue Plan and Economic Recovery

Janet Cowell, former state treasurer of North Carolina, and Kathryn White, director of budget process studies at the National Association of State Budget Officers, discuss the American Rescue Plan Ac…

Webinar by Janet Cowell and Kathryn White June 15, 2021 State and Local Webinars
World Trade Organization (WTO)

What’s Next for the WTO?

In the wake of President Trump’s combative approach to trade, and with major negotiations stalled, the future of global trade rules is in doubt.

Backgrounder by James McBride , Andrew Chatzky and Anshu Siripurapu June 14, 2021
Taiwan

The Time Is Now for a Trade Deal With Taiwan

A comprehensive U.S.-Taiwan trade agreement would benefit U.S. companies, bolster Taiwan's economic security, and underscore Washington's interest in cross-Strait stability.

Blog Post by David Sacks and Jennifer Hillman June 14, 2021 Asia Unbound
Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking’s Hidden Toll

In Foreign Affairs, Jamille Bigio and Rachel Vogelstein write that the global scourge is worse than a crime—it is a systemic threat.

Blog Post by Jamille Bigio and Rachel B. Vogelstein June 11, 2021 Women Around the World
United States

How Much Is Too Much? The U.S. Inflation Debate Heats Up

Some experts are sounding the alarm over rising inflation in the United States, despite assurances from the Federal Reserve. Here’s what to know.

In Brief by Roger W. Ferguson Jr. June 11, 2021 Greenberg Center for Geoeconomic Studies
Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking is a National Security Threat

In the first-ever Council Special Report on human trafficking, Jamille Bigio and Rachel Vogelstein argue that trafficking is an urgent matter of national security, economic growth, and sustainable development.

Blog Post by Jamille Bigio and Rachel B. Vogelstein June 10, 2021 Women Around the World