Essays & News

  The direction of the world economy is unclear. Geopolitical crises may disrupt supply chains (wars in various parts of the world), financial overhangs need resolute answers (public debts and interest-rate manipulation) and self-inflicted wounds (United States President Donald Trump’s preference for confrontational approaches, with occasional second thoughts) sometimes generate unpleasant surprises. Previously, governments responded […]

  The decision by the administration of United States President Donald Trump to formally withdraw the U.S. from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) global tax agreement marks a turning point in international tax coordination. The move, however, is not a surprise. Congressional Republicans and President Trump have never supported the OECD’s Inclusive Framework. […]

  A growing concern dominates Western politics and diplomacy: the unraveling of the so-called rules-based world order. Many place the blame on the Trump administration. However, this shift was inevitable because of geopolitical, geoeconomic and demographic forces, regardless of who occupies the White House. This world order – never truly universal – provided a framework […]

  Uncertainty over tariffs and federal spending have characterized the first few months of the second Donald Trump presidency. Since taking office, the Trump administration has instituted various tariffs targeting Canada, Mexico, China, the European Union and countries worldwide. This saga has led to speculation about the prospect of an “External Revenue Service,” “to collect tariffs, duties […]