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
Sanctions Watch (May 2026)
Sanctions and frozen funds hang in the balance as US-Iran peace talks continue, while Cuba runs out of fuel amid tightening sanctions and growing threats of military action.
CEPR Sanctions Watch April 2026
The US unleashes “Operation Economic Fury” and blockade against Iran as sanctions on Venezuela are eased and Democrats push back on Trump threats of military action against Cuba.
War-Torn Global Economy Needs IMF Emergency Assistance
The escalating US–Israeli war on Iran has triggered one of the largest energy supply shocks in modern history, hitting developing economies the hardest. A rapid, large-scale issuance of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) by the IMF could provide immediate, cost-free relief—boosting reserves, stabilizing economies, and helping countries maintain access to essential imports.
Producing Scarcity: Sanctions on the Venezuelan Central Bank
Central bank sanctions have paralyzed Venezuela’s financial system, making economic recovery difficult even as some restrictions ease.
CEPR Sanctions Watch March 2026
Trump administration allows limited Iranian and Russian oil sales, and eases certain Venezuela sanctions. Meanwhile, the US blockade on Cuba chokes the island’s economy and population, a policy that recent polling indicates many US Americans oppose.
CEPR Sanctions Watch February 2026
Trump’s oil blockade fuels a crisis in Cuba as the US and Israel strike Iran. Trump eases sanctions on Venezuela’s oil and gas sectors, while Canada relaxes sanctions on Syria. The EU fails to adopt its 20th package of Russia sanctions.
CEPR Sanctions Watch January 2026
Trump eases some sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector while maintaining the naval blockade and threatening tariffs on countries shipping oil to Cuba. Treasury Secretary Bessent says protests in Iran were sparked by sanctions-fueled economic crisis.
US Sanctions Policy: Frequently Asked Questions
The following resource is intended to aid policymakers and advocates in understanding US sanctions policy and its lethal and humanitarian consequences.
CEPR Sanctions Watch December 2025
Trump enacts a “blockade” on sanctioned Venezuelan oil, likely impacting Cuba’s economy too; Congress repeals a landmark Syria sanctions bill as sanctions weigh on Iran and Russia.
CEPR Sanctions Watch November 2025
Trump extends the Syria sanctions waiver as measures on Russia and Cuba bite. The President also signals openness to talks on Iran sanctions, while escalating threats against Venezuela with new designations.
