Geoeconomics
How Economic Sanctions Actually Work
Designations, blocked property, and secondary exposure — the instruments are legal mechanics, not rhetoric, and their enforcement record is mixed.
Gabriela Montoya · August 26, 2026
Geoeconomics
Coverage of economics used as statecraft: tariffs, export controls, sanctions, investment screening and industrial subsidy programs, alongside the customs and shipping data showing where trade actually moved. Written for trade lawyers, supply chain planners, sovereign analysts and researchers of international political economy.
Geoeconomics
How Central Bank Swap Lines Move Dollars Across Borders
Six central banks have kept standing dollar swap lines open since October 31, 2013. The mechanism is two transactions, one exchange rate, and a credit risk that never crosses the border.
Gabriela Montoya · August 20, 2026
Civic
The Legal Mechanics Behind a Government Shutdown
Gabriela Montoya · August 14, 2026
Geoeconomics
How Critical Minerals Agreements Reshape Trade Blocs
Minerals diplomacy is the new trade architecture: narrow deals over lithium and nickel quietly define who counts as an ally in industrial policy.
Gabriela Montoya · August 10, 2026
Geoeconomics
How the EU Carbon Border Mechanism Phases In
CBAM is Europe's answer to carbon leakage: importers pay the carbon price domestic producers pay — and 2026 is the first year with real invoices.
Gabriela Montoya · August 6, 2026