What Should Be Done About the Great Trade Slowdown?
Policymakers must continue to guard against protectionism, and also deepen their country’s connections to the world through better transport, communications, and Internet links. […]
Eastern Europe
The End of Convergence?
Convergence, the narrowing of the income gap between poor and rich countries, is one of the great stories of our time. A recent report shows that convergence has slowed in recent years, and that productivity in developing countries is not rising rapidly enough in key sectors. […]
TTIP and Third Countries: Multilateralization or Balkanization?
The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership initiative is a grand plan for revitalizing economic growth and enhancing international competitiveness. While Brussels and Washington work to reach a deal, large numbers of interested third countries—even major EU and U.S. trade partners—are left out. […]
The Botched Rescue in Cyprus
The decision to endorse a bailout deal that included a levy on bank deposits was legally dubious, morally unjustifiable, managerially inept, and economically foolish. […]
The Euro Crisis Is Bigger Than You Think
Though the eight newest EU are committed to eventually adopting the euro, they all already suffer from the problems that dragged Greece into crisis, suggesting that none of them are ready to join the Euro area yet. […]
The Threat of Protectionism During the Financial Crisis
Drops in Chinese export figures and declines in world GDP suggest there will not be an economic recovery in the fourth quarter of 2009. The upcoming G-20 meeting must focus on halting the contraction as opposed to reforming the financial architecture. […]