Trade Among Geopolitical Rivals: Michele Ruta
In this episode, IMF trade expert Michele Ruta discusses how geopolitics has always shaped trade, but the current U.S.-China rivalry is unique because of their deep economic interdependence. He explains that traditional WTO rules—non‑discrimination and reciprocity—were designed for a different era and may not suit a scenario where two integrated rivals seek to decouple. Ruta proposes a "geopolitical exemption" allowing controlled bilateral disengagement while limiting spillovers to third countries, and stresses that even rival states still have incentives to cooperate on trade for mutual welfare gains.
Nationalizations Get Another Look: Nicholas Mulder
In this episode, Cornell historian Nicholas Mulder explains why governments are revisiting nationalizations amid rising geopolitical and climate risks, highlighting recent moves in Europe’s energy sector and Latin America’s lithium industry. He argues that state ownership can make sense for...
Barry Eichengreen and Chima Simpson-Bell on Currencies that Shine
In this episode, economists Barry Eichengreen and Chima Simpson‑Bell discuss the gradual erosion of the U.S. dollar’s dominance as a global reserve currency, noting that its share of foreign‑exchange reserves has slipped from just over 70% to under 60% and...
Eswar Prasad on Escaping the Doom Loop
In this episode, Cornell professor and Brookings senior fellow Eswar Prasad discusses his new book *The Doom Loop*, which argues that the intertwining of economics, domestic politics, and geopolitics has created a self‑reinforcing negative feedback cycle eroding strong institutions worldwide....
Taxing Bad Habits: Christoph Rosenberg
In this episode Bruce Edwards talks with former IMF economist Christoph Rosenberg about "sin taxes" on tobacco, alcohol, and sugar. Rosenberg explains how these taxes, though a small share of GDP, can influence consumer behavior, citing declines in smoking rates...
Amadou Sy on Why Africa Is Keeping Its Debt Closer to Home
In this episode, IMF Assistant Director Amadou Sy explains the growing shift in African governments from external, often dollar‑denominated debt to domestic, local‑currency debt. He outlines the benefits of reduced currency risk and greater fiscal flexibility, while noting higher borrowing...
The Debt Reckoning: Rodrigo Valdés and Era Dabla-Norris
In this IMF podcast, Directors Rodrigo Valdés and Deputy Era Dabla‑Norris discuss the surge in global debt, now approaching 100% of GDP, and the challenges of translating fiscal policy into politically viable actions. They explain how pandemic‑driven spending, prolonged low...