Michael conducts research and policy analysis on the International Monetary Fund, debt, and economic sanctions at CEPR.
Michael’s research focuses on the global political economy, how the structures of the global economic architecture affect development in the Global South, and the prospects of constructing a New International Economic Order. Prior to CEPR, Michael has worked on issues related to foreign policy and international development at Win Without War, the United Nations, and more.
Michael holds a Master in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, where he studied international political and economic development, and a BA in international relations and sociology from Brown University.
All from Michael Galant
CEPR Sanctions Watch October 2025
The Trump administration imposes its first Russia sanctions while snapback measures on Iran begin to bite. For the 33rd time, the UN GA overwhelmingly votes to condemn and call for end of US embargo on Cuba.
It’s Time to Unbury the IMF’s Hidden Gold
With prices at record highs, the IMF should use its gold reserves to fund much-needed support for developing countries.
CEPR Sanctions Watch September 2025
The UN imposes “snapback” sanctions on Iran as Congress remains divided over repeal of the Caesar Act. Trump urges Europe to tariff India and China over Russia.
CEPR Sanctions Watch August 2025
The US sanctions Brazilian health officials for hosting Cuban medical missions while it urges UN to lift sanctions on Syrian president. Europeans warn of snapback sanctions on Iran.
CEPR Sanctions Watch July 2025
Trump signals plans to cut Cuba’s remaining economic lifelines and threatens sanctions on Russia. Lancet Global Health study finds sanctions are as deadly as war.
Lifting Sanctions on Syria Exposes Their Cruel Intent
Trump’s statement that “sanctions [on Syria] were brutal and crippling” reveals an implicit but rarely admitted truth: while often presented as a restrained, peaceful alternative to war, the reality is that sanctions have been harming the Syrian people all along.
FfD4 at Sevilla Plants the Seeds of Debtor Unity
UN member states adopted the “Compromiso de Sevilla” at the just-concluded Financing for Development Forum. It includes a paragraph that plants the seeds for something like a borrower countries’ platform.
CEPR Sanctions Watch June 2025
US-Israeli strikes on Iran derail negotiations while more action is needed to fully repeal Syria sanctions. Trump is still reluctant to sanction Russia despite pressure.
CEPR Sanctions Watch May 2025
The US and EU lift broad Syria sanctions while Trump flip-flops on Venezuela and Russia sanctions policy. Nuclear talks between the US and Iran appear promising despite key differences.
CEPR Sanctions Watch April 2025
Trump considers additional sanctions on Cuba, announces talks with Iran, and sets conditions for lifting sanctions on Syria. Meanwhile, momentum is building for the explicit use of tariffs as a form of sanctions.
