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 July 2023
The House of Representatives passes an amendment that would block future sanctions relief for Afghanistan; EU and Latin American leaders condemn Cuba embargo as sanctions fuel Havana water shortages; and more.
IMF Surcharge Fees Hurt Those the Fund Is Meant to Help
In theory, IMF “surcharges” dissuade borrowers from depending on IMF credit. In practice, they punish the countries least equipped to pay, siphoning vital resources from social spending.
CEPR Sanctions Watch June 2023
Sanctions Watch June 2023: Hunger rises in Afghanistan; Caribbean leaders call for Cuba sanctions lifting; Indirect talks raise hope for Iran sanctions relief; North Korea tests missiles due to US-South Korea exercises; EU unveils 11th Russia sanctions; Concerns over Syria crisis, Venezuela strategy, and impact of sanctions voiced by commentators.
CEPR Sanctions Watch May 2023
In this edition of Sanctions Watch: Local civil society leaders call for the release of central bank assets to Afghanistan; Members of Congress urge Biden to address migration by easing sanctions on Cuba and Venezuela, and more.
CEPR Sanctions Watch April 2023
In this edition of Sanctions Watch, covering April 2023: US Rep. Greg Casar says US asset freeze helped create Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis; amid soaring food prices, the US embargo is blocking agricultural exports to Cuba; the World Bank points to sanctions as the cause of sluggish growth in Iran; nuclear envoys call for greater enforcement of UN resolution barring North Koreans from working overseas; the US suggests a total ban of exports to Russia; doctors in Syria say sanctions hinder a
The Growing Burden of IMF Surcharges: An Updated Estimate
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) imposes additional fees on loans to its most indebted middle-income borrowers, on top of regular interest payments and service fees.
CEPR Sanctions Watch March 2023
In this edition of Sanctions Watch, covering March 2023: the World Food Programme fears famine is looming in Afghanistan; senators introduce a bill to end trade embargo on Cuba; Yellen admits sanctions on Iran cause economic suffering and don’t work; Nort
CEPR Sanctions Watch February 2023
February 2023: a Federal Judge rules that 9/11 victims are not entitled to Afghanistan’s frozen assets; calls grow to remove Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terror list; sanctions fuel record depreciation and food price
Biden Wants to Outlaw “Junk” Fees for Americans, But His Administration Can Also Stop Hidden Charges that Hurt Poor Countries
While Biden is going after exploitative, hidden fees at home, there are other exploitative, hidden fees impacting the lives of hundreds of millions of people around the world.
CEPR Sanctions Watch, January 2023
At least 124 people have died as winter temperatures set in across Afghanistan, compounding what was already a dire humanitarian crisis.
