Token value comes from network use, not only cash flows Teach Metcalfe-style metrics—active users, adjusted settlement, fees and ETF signals—with transparent filters Update curricula to pair demand-based valuation with risk and regulation

U.S. tariffs mix security aims with bargaining, causing confusion. Allies hedge by shifting trade and investment toward China and cheaper energy, blunting U.S.

Bitcoin’s value stems from settlement utility, not cash flows Institutional demand and fees support this role It is better seen as a monetary asset than a Ponzi In its first year on the market, U.S

China drives disinflation through trade, while U.S.

Aid can raise political violence by making public office a richer prize Design fixes—timing, transparency, smaller discretion, cash or in-kind by context—reduce that risk Gaza shows the stakes: build neutral, auditable rails and protect multi-year humanitarian budget

Impeachment carries an “uncertainty premium,” seen in a 14.6% drop in Korea’s FDI pledges Use impeachment as an emergency brake, not routine politics, to protect electoral mandates and stability Adopt guardrails—one-shot filings, fast voter-centered elections, judicial minimalism—and ring-fence education budgets

Confidence follows identity more than facts Schools should teach election procedures and prebunk manipulation Local transparency and routine audits build resilience when results disappoint The most telling number from the

Stablecoins are the battleground for China’s reserve-currency bid Without a trusted RMB token, dollar stablecoins entrench dominance and siphon savings Use Hong Kong and mBridge to launch audited RMB rails for trade and tuition

Tariffs in 2025 weakened the dollar instead of strengthening it Markets priced in retaliation, limited U.S.

Germany’s reputation for efficiency hides massive losses from excessive bureaucracy Evidence from trains, bakeries, and schools shows that cutting redundant processes boosts performance and retention.

Masculinity norms shape labour supply, health, and political preferences Germany’s 1940s and Korea’s 2020s show contrasting trajectories Education policy can recalibrate norms and stabilise economies

Tariffs act as taxes, not growth tools Infant-industry logic applies only narrowly Targeted subsidies and workforce policies work better By June 2025, the United States had already collected about $93.9 billion

Aging turns housing scarcity into surplus New-build bias sidelines older homes and erodes value A 'refurbish-first' policy can turn empty properties into affordable assets

Student well-being is falling fast AI chatbots are spreading quickly Without safeguards, risks will escalate

Europe must consolidate while rearming Compliance still lags; credible plans are urgent Reprioritise spending and taxes; leverage EU-level financing By July

AI’s IMO gold isn’t AGI Deploy it as an instrumented calculator Require refusal metrics and proof logs

The EU and Asia Pacific should move from competition to surplus-sharing in green energy Tools like carbon contracts and CBAM credits can ensure fair distribution of benefits This strategy will enhance investment and strengthen global partnerships

This article is based on ideas originally published by VoxEU – Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR) and has been independently rewritten and extended by The Economy editorial team. While inspired by the original analysis, the content presented here reflects a broader interpretation and additional commentary. The views expressed do not necessarily represent those of VoxEU or CEPR.

This article was independently developed by The Economy editorial team and draws on original analysis published by East Asia Forum. The content has been substantially rewritten, expanded, and reframed for broader context and relevance. All views expressed are solely those of the author and do not represent the official position of East Asia Forum or its contributors.