In The News

Global Financial System and the Abyss: Bloomberg

Molly Smith, Alex Harris and Matthew Boesler March 29, 2020
The United States, with more confirmed COVID-19 cases than other country in the world and a patchwork approach to testing and emergency closures, has not set a good example in slowing the disease's spread. On the other hand, the US Federal Reserve has led in preventing a global economic depression by applying massive, far-reaching and historic actions to ensure liquidity and stabilization....

Harvests at Risk With Squeezed Labor: Bloomberg

Mike Dorning, Edward Ludlow and Ainslie Chandler March 27, 2020
Governments’ go-to method for stopping the spread of COVID-19 is imposing travel limits on infected countries. Such limits could threaten food production in the United States, Europe and elsewhere. “American produce growers preparing to harvest crops are warning of a devastating impact on fruit and vegetables after the U.S. Embassy in Mexico announced a halt to visa interviews for seasonal farm...

The Flu, COVID-19 and the Economy

March 27, 2020
The United States leads the world in confirmed cases of COVID-19, passing even China, with almost four times the population and where the disease emerged in November. Some government and business leaders resist advice from public health experts on lockdowns and slowed economic activity. There is an argument that a pause on food supplies, utilities and other essential services poses a health...

Who Is Caring for “Invisible” Carers? Rappler

Vin Aranas March 26, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic exposes devastating inequality. More than half of all workers hold jobs that cannot be done remote from home. Even in wealthy countries like the United States, half of the residents lack savings to manage an unexpected $500 expense. “While it is true that anyone can be exposed, not everyone has the means to protect themselves, the opportunity to practice social distancing...

US-China Relations Worsen Amid Pandemic: Economist

The Economist March 26, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic could have been an opportunity for the U.S. and China to cooperate and disregard previous enmity. On the contrary, both countries approach the worst period since the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989 through mutual exchanges of blame and conspiracy theories. The first-stage deal to stop the trade war has been signed, but tensions continue in other areas. In January, China...

Limits on Medical Gear Exports: PIIE

Chad P. Brown March 25, 2020
Nations scramble for protective medical gear to prevent infections and a breakdown of health systems. Masks, gloves, gowns and ventilators are in short supply. The European Union announced export restrictions on some supplies, limiting EU sales to countries outside the bloc. “Europe’s actions could be self-defeating,” reports the Peterson Institute for International Economics. “They may disrupt...

US Coronavirus Conflict With China: The Hill

Stephen S. Roach and Daniel L. Arbess March 25, 2020
COVID-19, a threat to social and economic activity, requires a global solution, explain Stephen Roach and Daniel Arbess. Scapegoating is “stressing the U.S.-China relationship, inhibiting collaboration and enabling China to fill the global leadership void,” the two write. Collaborative research and ending the trade war, especially on medical supplies, could save US lives. China’s strict...