Philip Luck

Director, Economics Program and Scholl Chair in International Business
Phil Luck

Philip A. Luck is director of the CSIS Economics Program and Scholl Chair in International Business. He served in the Biden-Harris administration as the deputy chief economist at the U.S. Department of State. Dr. Luck is an expert on the economics of international trade, global supply chains, and international migration policy. He has spent his career in public service, both in government and academia. At the Department of State, Dr. Luck led analytical efforts to combat sanctions and export control evasion, increase global supply chain resilience, combat economic coercion, as well as improve migration policy design and implementation. Prior to joining the U.S. Department of State, Philip was an assistant professor of economics at the University of Colorado, Denver. Dr. Luck’s research focuses on the international organization of production—specifically, how international trade and migration impact the structure of firms, supply chains, demand for skills, labor market dynamics, and aggregate welfare. His research has been published in leading economic journals, including the Review of Economics and Statistics, Journal of Labor Economics, Journal of Economic Geography, and Review of International Economics. His work has also been covered in major publications including the New York Times, The Economist, the Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, and RealClear Markets. A devoted teacher, he has taught at Drexel University and Claremont McKenna College as well as the University of Colorado, Denver. He graduated with honors in economics from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and earned MSc and PhD degrees in economics from the University of California, Davis.

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How Central Banks Can Win the Digital Currency Race

Central banks design digital currencies through adoption, sovereignty, and security matrices. Winning the digital currency race, however, requires more seamless and cost-efficient transactions than incumbent instruments.

Report by Philip Luck, Richard Gray, and Justin Hu — September 8, 2026

Open for Business

This installment of Charting the Middle East spotlights growing trade volumes between Syria and select countries or regions since the fall of Assad and the lifting of sanctions.

Newsletter by Philip Luck — August 20, 2026

What Happens if Congress Codifies Russia Sanctions?

The Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 would codify roughly 6,800 designations and create a new tariff authority aimed at the largest buyers of Russian energy. Whether it produces real pressure on Moscow depends on executive branch implementation.

Commentary by Philip Luck and Brad Spicher — August 10, 2026

Trade Deficits and Growing EU-China Tensions

This episode of The Trade Off unpacks growing EU–China trade tensions, Europe’s evolving economic security approach, and what recent trade disputes mean for the future of the economic relationship.

Event — August 7, 2026

EST Rapid Roundup: More Tariffs and Implications

Join the CSIS Economic Security and Technology Department’s Navin Girishankar, Philip Luck and Angela Ellard as they unpack the Trump administration's recent tariff actions and discuss the implications for U.S. trading partners. 

Event — July 30, 2026

Elbows Up: The Price of Economic Coercion Against Canada

The United States has announced 50 percent tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian imports. If enacted, the measures would have implications for economic welfare and trade diversification in both countries.

Commentary by Philip Luck — July 21, 2026