This week’s featured stories 17 August – 23 August 2026…
Crypto: from speculative asset to a new financial system
Something quite important is happening in cryptocurrency, and it is easy to miss if you spend too much time watching the price of bitcoin. Chris Skinner discusses the emergence of crypto into becoming part of the infrastructure of finance, of the emergence of a new financial system
Are American tech billionaires adversaries or role models for Europe? Rebecca Christie writes that the EU should ask what it wants from globally influential tech magnates, not just how to curb them
Why growth is slowing in America’s largest cities
Since the start of the decade, America’s largest cities have experienced dramatic population shifts, with COVID-19-era population losses giving way to a post-pandemic resurgence through 2023-2024. William Frey analyses the latest estimates, finding that 86 of the nation’s 92 largest cities experienced slower growth, larger population declines, or a shift from growth to decline between 2024 and 2025
US-Canada trade talks collapse, 50% tariffs imposed
After last-minute disagreements, the US imposed 50% tariffs on ~$20–28 billion of Canadian goods (including dairy, wine, furniture, and some vehicles). Canada suspended negotiations and pledged dollar-for-dollar retaliation from 8 September, raising North American supply-chain and market uncertainty
Bank of England advances Digital Pound Lab Phase 2 on stablecoins & SME trade finance
Tests explore interoperability of a potential digital pound with private stablecoins for cross-border settlement and SME ‘bankable profiles’, aiming to speed trade finance and reduce cash-flow friction for smaller firms
Chinese fintech platforms expand AI-driven crossborder tools for SMEs
Events and platforms highlighted AI risk controls and local-currency payments helping exporters navigate geopolitical and logistics volatility, supporting resilience in SME trade flows
EU GSP implementation report underscores trade’s role in sustainability
Latest joint report reviews how preferential tariffs for developing countries support export growth, jobs, and compliance with labour, environmental, and governance standards, with updated scheme rules applying from 2027
Red Sea shipping risks persist amid Houthi actions
Renewed Houthi threats and attacks on Saudi-linked vessels continue to disrupt Bab el-Mandeb transit, with some tankers going ‘dark’ or diverting. This sustains higher freight costs, insurance premiums, and pressure on Asia-Europe and energy supply chains
India deepens South American trade outreach
Commerce officials advanced talks on a comprehensive agreement with Chile and expansion of the preferential deal with Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil), aiming to diversify export markets and boost bilateral volumes
South–South trade frameworks continue momentum
Ongoing work on the Global System of Trade Preferences (GSTP) and related capacity-building supports expanded preferential access and value-chain development among developing economies
China criticises EU foreign subsidies rules
Beijing linked the rules to ongoing trade discussions, arguing they hinder fair competition; the exchange highlights continued friction over industrial policy and market access amid broader tariff and subsidy tensions
US implements 50% tariffs on selected Canadian goods after talks fail
The measures cover a range of products and follow collapsed negotiations; Canada announced retaliatory steps, increasing short-term costs and uncertainty for integrated North American supply chains
UK open to discussing digital services tax with US administration
Signals potential flexibility in ongoing bilateral talks amid broader trade and tech policy discussions
Mercosur is at risk from US tariffs and politics
Mercosur’s survival is imperilled by growing strains between its two largest members, Brazil and Argentina, because of the combined pressure of US politics and tariffs and the competition for influence between China and the US, Monica de Bolle argues
The odyssey of military AI governance: challenges facing middle powers
Mei Ching Liu considers artificial intelligence in the military domain and its implications for international peace and security, and three interrelated challenges: restricted access to AI technology and its most advanced applications; limited geopolitical influence over great powers; and diverse interests limiting prospects for consensus among fellow middle powers
