U.S. Economic Statecraft in a Realigned World

A livestream of the conversation will begin here at 1:30pm ET on Tuesday, September 15.
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The global economy has entered a period of fundamental realignment. As the Trump administration deploys tariffs to reshape trading relationships and redefine economic alliances, policymakers worldwide are adapting to a new reality in which economic security and national security have become inseparable. At the forefront of this effort are America’s tools of positive economic power – the institutions that are already mobilizing U.S. public and private capital, financing critical infrastructure, and expanding trade relationships. Yet new capabilities are essential, including coordinated interagency economic packages designed to stabilize transitioning regimes in countries such as Venezuela, and potentially Iran and Cuba – with clear guardrails to ensure that U.S. economic engagement advances strategic objectives without compromising American values or long-term interests.

How is positive economic power evolving in response to the current moment? How can the responsible agencies complement sanctions and export controls, and more seamlessly integrate their responses? And what tools and capacities does the United States need to deploy economic power effectively?

To discuss the evolving architecture of American economic statecraft, join Elaine Dezenski, senior director and head of FDD’s Center on Economic and Financial Power, for a private sector panel discussion with industry experts. The event will include a fireside chat with Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN), chairman of the Senate Subcommittees on Financial Services and General Government; National Security and International Trade and Finance; and State Department and USAID Management, International Operations, and Bilateral International Development.

Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN)

Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) is chairman of the Senate subcommittees on Financial Services and General Government; National Security and International Trade and Finance; and State Department and USAID Management, International Operations, and Bilateral International Development. Prior to the Senate, Sen. Hagerty served as the U.S. ambassador to Japan from 2017-2019, and as commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development from 2011 to 2014. He was also an economic advisor and White House fellow under President George H.W. Bush.

Elaine Dezenski

Elaine Dezenski serves as senior director and head of FDD’s Center on Economic and Financial Power. She is an expert on geopolitical risk, economic statecraft, supply chain resilience, illicit finance, and anti-corruption. She served in senior roles at the World Economic Forum, Interpol, and Cross Match Technologies. She served as deputy and acting assistant secretary for Policy at the Department of Homeland Security and head of its office of Cargo and Trade Policy. She is co-author of the book Axis of Aggressors: Countering the Cooperation of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.