Part of Energy, Economics & Security

Economic Statecraft

The United States has a vital interest in cultivating its economic strength and keeping its financial tools nimble and effective. CNAS delivers analysis and recommendations to help national leaders advance America’s economic standing and use its economic policies to achieve strategic and security goals.

Economic measures—both those designed to coerce change and those offered as incentives and positive inducements—include financial sanctions, trade and export controls, and investment restrictions, as well as investment guarantees, development aid, and interest rate policy, among others.

U.S. national security challenges are increasingly addressed by tools of economic statecraft—tools that are ever more powerful, multilateral and essential in the execution of U.S. foreign policy. They are now widely used to manage the pressing security threats of nuclear weapons proliferation, terrorism and territorial aggression. They are also vital to the promotion of peace, prosperity, innovation and opportunities for much of the world’s population. The Energy, Economics and Security program offers policymakers analysis and recommendations to promote these national interests and manage key security threats.

Support CNAS

Recent Publications

Related Events

Related Press

Transatlantic Security

How the Russian Economy Is Faring as New Sanctions Hit

The European Union, along with the United Kingdom, imposed a new sanctions package on Tuesday that targets Russia....

Middle East Security

EU Lifts More Syria Sanctions, but Barriers to Energy, Business Remain

US President Donald Trump's announcement set the tone for global sanctions policy on Syria, but a "labyrinth" of restrictive economic measures including sanctions will take ti...

Middle East Security

Trump to Remove U.S. Sanctions on Syria in Major Policy Shift

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he would order the lifting of sanctions on Syria at the behest of Saudi Arabia's crown prince, a major U.S. policy shift ahead of an exp...

View All Press