Economics Program and Scholl Chair in International Business

Analyzing how geoeconomic forces shape foreign policy, strategy, and the international order

The CSIS Economics Program and Scholl Chair in International Business conducts cutting-edge research at the intersection of international economics and U.S. geostrategy. Our mission is to provide policymakers with rigorous, data-driven analysis and actionable recommendations to strengthen America's economic security and strategic position in an increasingly complex global economy. Through empirical research and policy analysis, the Program anchors growth, opportunity, and strategic partnerships at the heart of economic security strategy.

As a bridge between academic research and practical policymaking, the Economics Program hosts high-level events and develops educational programming for government officials, industry professionals, and the public. Through intellectual leadership and sustained engagement, the Program seeks to define the field of economic security for the current era while building the next generation of policy professionals who will shape America's geoeconomic future.

The Economics Program structures its research around our vision of the four pillars of economic security, which are:

Strengthens economic resilience through innovation and investment, workforce development, and a robust industrial base, including research on immigration reform and regulatory barriers that impact U.S. economic growth.

Deepens ties with allies and partners through aligned industrial policies, joint technology development, shared standards, and integrated trade and supply chains, particularly in countering economic coercion and building resilient networks.

Examines the use of sanctions, export controls, and investment screening to deter economic coercion – both unilaterally and in coordination with partners – evaluating their effectiveness and strategic impact.

Drives global economic governance and builds coalitions to address shared geoeconomic challenges, including mega-trends like demographic transition, technological acceleration, and climate change.

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Featured Analysis

Photo: Laura Proctor/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Photo: Laura Proctor/Bloomberg/Getty Images

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

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Featured Podcast

The Trade Guys

The Trade Guys

Trade experts Scott Miller and Bill Reinsch break down the buzz around trade, how it affects policy, and how it impacts your day-to-day. The Trade Guys is a weekly podcast from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a nonpartisan think tank in Washington, D.C.

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The Emperor’s Wardrobe Malfunction

In this week’s column, Bill Reinsch argues that countries have begun adapting to the Trump administration’s trade policy by pursuing nonbinding agreements that offer immediate appeasement but provide limited enforceability.

Commentary by William Alan Reinsch — August 19, 2026

The Trade Guys

Zainab Usman on Critical Minerals and AGOA

Bill and Scott welcome Zainab Usman, senior research scholar at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University, to discuss critical minerals and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

Podcast Episode by Scott Miller and William Alan Reinsch — August 17, 2026

CSIS The Trade Guys

Litigation Review

In this week's column, Bill Reinsch outlines the outstanding lawsuits against the Trump administration's tariffs.

Commentary by William Alan Reinsch — August 12, 2026

The Trade Guys

Senate Farm Bill, Currency Markets, and Forced Labor

Bill and Scott break down the trade provisions of the Senate Farm Bill, the U.S.-Japan intervention in currency markets, and the Trump administration's latest enforcement actions targeting goods linked to forced labor.

Podcast Episode by Alex Kisling, Scott Miller, and William Alan Reinsch — August 10, 2026

CSIS The Trade Guys

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

Brussels vs. Brussels: The EU’s Data Act and the DMA’s Clash Over Cloud

The European Union preliminarily designated AWS and Azure as gatekeepers under the Digital Markets Act. Both already fall under the Data Act, and the overlapping rules risk undermining Europe's cloud sector while deepening its reliance on U.S. providers.

Commentary by Christopher Gundermann — August 7, 2026

Beyond Tracing: Anticipatory Technical Exploitation and Smart Friction

Tracing how adversaries acquired yesterday’s technology should be the beginning, not the end, of technical exploitation. Anticipatory analysis can reveal likely substitutions and help policymakers shape adaptation through targeted smart friction.

Commentary by Damien Spleeters — August 6, 2026