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Geoeconomics | Podcast
Increased trade integration between economic superpowers shaped our globalized world, but that world we’ve known for the past three decades is becoming increasingly fragmented. What happens to those trade relationships when countries disengage? Michele Ruta is the IMF expert on trade and global imbalances. In this podcast, he says even strategic rivals can benefit from trade cooperation.
MICHELE RUTA
Geoeconomics | June 2026
Geopolitical rivalry does not end the need for trade cooperation, but the multilateral system must adapt
AADITYA MATTOO
ROBERT W. STAIGER
International trade | Podcast
New technology, the re-emergence of industrial policy, and rising geopolitical tensions are all putting added pressure on the international trading system. Michele Ruta is a trade expert at the IMF. He says global cooperation is key to preventing economic fragmentation, from which no one benefits.
Industrial production | Podcast
Economists have been predicting the return of industrial policy of late- and there’s no question it’s back, but what does today’s industrial policy look like? Michele Ruta is a trade expert at the IMF, and along with some colleagues compiled a new dataset that shows the extent to which new industrial policies are being used and what their real impact might be on the global economy.
International trade | June 2023
At a time of growing global tensions, regional trade alliances may be less about integration and more about discrimination
As rising geopolitical tensions chip away at globalization, will a more fragmented world mean stronger regional pacts? Economist Michele Ruta says the trend toward strengthening ties with friends and loosening them with non-friends is making regional trade less about integration and more about discrimination.
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